Disclaimer: I told you all before, I don't own anything related to the Harry Potter franchise nor am I making any money off of this fic.

Chapter 8:

An End to Summer Training

Harry smiled as he read through the letter he had just received. It was the first rotation in the, what was it, fourth week since he had started the whole thing? He shook his head, slightly confused. When he had started, he had just wanted more time to learn and train. With the time turner, all he had seen was the ability to at least quadruple his available time and had not given a thought to the overall logistics of it. This included such things as feeding himself (luckily Dumbledore came through for him), keeping track of time in the outside world (he had to make sure he made an appearance once a day to keep his guard from getting suspicious), and the whole confusion of keeping the other four replicas of himself organized. He turned back to the letter Hermione sent and read it over once more.

Dear Harry,

My parents and me just got back from our trip to Paris! I can't wait to tell you all about it! Did you know that their laws restricting werewolves and house elves are far more lenient and practical than the ones here? Then there was the Parisian version of Diagon Alley, which had a bunch of amazing shops, especially the bookstore. Unfortunately, most of the books were in French, and I'm not very fluent. We also spent a few days in the south. The beaches were amazing! I am a bit disappointed in myself as I spent more time than I should have out by the water. I didn't even get to finish half of Hogwarts: A History on this trip! Oh dear, I think I'm rambling. Anyway, I hope your doing better than when you left. If you need any help with anything, summer school work, whatever, let me know. I still haven't received my OWLs yet. Honestly, how long does it take to grade them?

My mom and dad say hello and hope you are doing fine. Its odd, really, as they have expressed some interest in meeting you. Odd, but family can be like that sometimes. Unfortunately, next week my family has decided to have a sort of reunion at our house. Do you have any idea how hard it is not to tell them about Hogwarts? Of course you do, what was I thinking? You live with those terrible muggles. I have already talked to my parents and they have agreed to let me stay at headquarters later in the summer, so I will probably meet you there. Take care, Harry.

With love,

Hermione

When he read about Hermione having a family get-together, he was hit with two emotions. The first was sadness. Sadness that he would never have a family like that and that his family had been torn away from him so long ago. The other emotion made him feel a bit guilty however, as it was relief. He truly did miss having a family, but without one he was afforded much more freedom. 'I don't want to know what would have happened to me if I had to explain to my parents half the stuff I've done. I also doubt any parent would allow their child to do what I am doing now!'

His training was hard work, and at times it seemed like it had been going on forever. But it was also fun and rewarding. Finding a powerful spell and working it until he could perform it flawlessly or successfully completing a ritual gave him a sense of accomplishment that not even Quidditch could match. He now understood why Hermione loved her books so much. It was never that they were books (okay, maybe for her it was, but she had always been a bit loopy when it came to texts) it was what she learned from the books.

He had achieved a level of power he never thought possible when he had first started his schooling at Hogwarts. He was at the point where he could almost will his magic to do something and it would be done. He still felt he did not have the power of either Dumbledore or Voldemort, but he felt confident that he had just as much if not more control over the power he did have than either of those two wizards. Someone had once said that Dumbledore could do things with a wand that he had never seen before. To that, Harry would say 'to hell with wands! They are tools to assist, but are not necessary!' This was not to say they were impractical. Harry had found that extended use of complex and high powered wandless magic wore him out a lot quicker than if he used a wand or blade. In a prolonged conflict, using a wand might just save his life. Well, and not all spells could be done wandless. Rituals required the focus and control of a wand, as well as the 'unforgivables,' both the normal kind the one Harry had discovered.

He was contemplating his power, Hermione's letter on his desk in front of him, forgotten, when slight ringing filled his room, indicating that one of his wards had been tripped. Early during his fourth week of practice, had set up some basic wards to tell him when a witch or wizard entered the house, giving him time to prepare to fight if necessary. He stepped out of his tent and looked at the foe glass he had hung next to his door. Noting that there were no distinguishable figures, he pocketed his wand just as his Aunt Petunia called him downstairs. As he entered the Dursley's living room, he was surprised to see not only Albus Dumbledore, but also Amelia Bones, head of the magical law enforcement sitting on a couch. His aunt had long ago vacated the room.

'Oh shit! Please don't tell me I got caught.' He pleaded to whatever god was listening.

His fears were put to rest as Dumbledore looked at him with his eyes twinkling.

"Hello there, Harry! Come, take a seat. Madame Bones just had to ask you some questions and we will leave you in peace." Harry just nodded and took a seat on the couch opposite of the two.

"Mr. Potter, after the interrogation of the Death Eaters caught at the ministry, we believe that we have enough information to clear Sirius Black's name." Harry snorted at this, earning a disapproving glare from Albus but ignored by Madame Bones, who continued on. "While we understand that has passed away, some of us feel that he should get the proper recognition for his heroics and an official apology. I understand that he was close to you, Mr. Potter. I also understand that you have a very low opinion of the Ministry, but I want to assure you that Minister Fudge does not represent the entire Ministry. That actually brings us to the second reason I am here. We are conducting an investigation of Dolores Umbridge." Harry's ears perked up at that. "What can you tell me about Ms.Umbridge?"

"Well, she admitted to me that she was the one who sent the Dementors after me last year and she threatened to use the Cruciatus Curse on me, which she would have done if it wasn't for Hermione. Then there was that damn quill she used for detentions." Madame Bones and Albus were just looking at him, an unreadable expression of each of their faces. "Uh, sir, are you okay?" He asked, looking at Dumbledore.

"What? Oh, yes Harry, I'm fine." Then Madame Bones spoke up.

"What's this about a quill? And not that I want to question your word Mr. Potter, but those are some serious accusations. Do you have any witnesses?"

"I understand ma'am. First of all, the quill was this diabolical little device that, when I wrote with it, cut the words into the back of my hand and used my blood as ink. As for the Dementors and the Cruciatus part, talk to Hermione Granger, Ron and Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood. Draco Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle along with a few others were there, but I doubt that they would be too cooperative with the Ministry right now." Madame Bones was writing it all down while Albus just stared at him, which began to annoy Harry.

"Sir, is there something you wanted to say?" Albus just nodded.

"I am sorry Harry, I wasn't aware how many liberties Ms. Umbridge had been taking. Why didn't you tell me?" The old man actually looked hurt at this.

"Sir, you know as well as I that if I did, there was very little you could do about it. No doubt she would write to Fudge and get some new decree passed allowing her to punish students as she saw fit. Besides, I knew you were busy with things, and at the time I had thought you, well, I thought you didn't want anything to do with me."

"Again, I am truly sorry, Harry. I honestly had no idea. However, would you mind showing me the scars from the quill?"

"Not at all sir." Harry lifted his hand and showed them where the words I will not tell lies were engraved on the back of his hand. Madame Bones had also stopped writing and was examining his hand.

"Well," she spoke up, "this is definitely something of importance. That quill is strictly regulated as a class-two dark magic item. Possession alone will get her ten years. The fact that she used it repeatedly on students should probably double that. That's not even counting what the time she will serve if we can prove your other claims. I will spread the word out to see if anyone else was subjected to Ms. Umbridge's detentions." She scribbled something on her notepad before pocketing it. "Well Mr. Potter, I appreciate your cooperation. I still need to get statements from the witnesses you listed and look more into this quill, but I can guarantee you that Umbridge will be put away for a very long time. My report will probably be ready in a month or so. The Sirius matter will probably take longer as to most people, the innocence of a dead man isn't high on their priorities." Harry just nodded as Albus and Madame Bones stood up.

"Amelia" it was Dumbledore who spoke. "I have some business to take care of, so I will meet you at the Lovegood's in say, a half an hour?"

"Very well Albus. How about around noon then? I want to get this filed away and send out some owls anyway." Albus just nodded and Madame Bones apparated away. Dumbledore turned to Harry.

"Well Harry, would you please show me what you have been up to? And I don't mean that abridged version you showed Remus." The old man's eyes were twinkling madly behind his half moon spectacles. Harry merely nodded and headed for the stairs.

"You really should get out more often Harry." The old man spoke as they headed up the stairs. "You're as pale as a ghost. When was the last time you spent any significant amount of time out in the sun?"

"A little over fifteen weeks sir." Albus quickly hid his look of surprise and just nodded to indicate that he had heard. Harry led him down the stairs into his trunk. He showed him the same things he showed Remus, but then he took him into the tent.

He could have sworn his heart stopped.

As soon as they had entered the tent, Harry and Albus were face to face with something that looked like it came from the pits of hell itself. It was at least two meters tall and insect-like in appearance. Its carapace was black and red with at least three pairs of vicious looking pincers and black snake like tentacles sprouting out of its back, all of that topped off with a giant maw that had sharp, quarter meter long teeth.

It happened so fast that Harry had no time to react as the tentacles wrapped around him and Dumbledore. The snake-like appendages squeezed around him tighter as Harry braced himself for what promised to be a most bloody end. Suddenly, laughter broke out from all around them and both him and Albus were released, sending them crashing to the floor. Harry looked around to see all his duplicates in the room, looking extraordinarily pleased with themselves.

"What the hell is that thing!" Harry screeched at them as soon as he collected himself. Albus had just grabbed his wand and backed up, pointing the wooden stick at the monstrosity.

"That, Harry, is the Demon!" Harry looked at #4, the one who spoke, incredulously. It was Albus who voiced the thoughts that were going through his head.

"I'm sorry, but that is impossible. Demons don't exist. At least, not on this plain of existence."

"Well, they do now!" It was #5 who spoke, who appeared to be trying to suppress some giggles (something Harry hoped never would come from his mouth again), and was failing miserably at it. Seeing as how both Harry and Albus were still wary, #5 banished the 'demon' before continuing. "Come on Harry, surely you know how it was created? Think dogs, giant lizards, and our little exercises with accidental magic." Harry plowed through is memories before it him. He shook his head in disbelief at how dim he had been.

"Harry," Albus asked, seeing as how his young friend seemed to figure out what was going on, "care to explain to the old man who doesn't have the luxury of having the same though processes of everyone else in the room?" Harry looked at Albus, mirth clearly evident in his face. The old man had obviously had regained his composure once the thing had been removed. Harry himself took a moment to compose himself before continuing.

"Transfiguration sir. It's like that trick Cedric tried to do with the dragon during the first task. Instead of a dog, #5 here made a mythical creature. Quite amazing really." He then scowled and threw a mock glare at #5. "Of course, #5 always has to show off." Albus, however, was looking at Harry in something akin to awe, an expression Harry had never seen on the old man before.

"Really! What spell did you use? I have never heard of such a thing!" Albus was now bordering on giddiness at the prospect of such a new and unique spell. Harry proceeded to explain to him about his training and some of the unexpected skills he had picked up. Needless to say, Albus was impressed.

"That is amazing Harry. Though, it is a pity that there are no incantations. It does make it harder to teach it to other people." He suddenly adopted a pensive look on his face before continuing. "Tell me Harry, are you concerned that the power you are gaining might eventually corrupt you? I know we have discussed this before, but that was before you had begun your training. Now that you have made leaps and bounds in progress, has your opinion changed?" Harry thought for a moment before answering honestly.

"I won't lie sir. When we are in the middle of a duel, our power flowing through us, its downright intoxicating." The other Harrys nodded in agreement. "I think the difference is that, for me, us, whatever, power is a means to an end. I do what I do because it needs to be done. For Voldemort, power is an end unto itself. More than that, it is an obsession to him. I truly think that for power to be corruptive, there must be something in the person that will accept the taint of power." Albus scrutinized Harry before speaking.

"Didn't the hat try to put you in Slytherin Harry? Not to sound negative, but wouldn't that suggest that there is a part of you that may desire power for powers sake?" 'Well how the hell am I suppose to answer that!' Harry though bitterly. However, Albus was still looking at him expectantly, so he figured it would be best to answer.

"Er, well, um, possibly. But as you yourself once said, it is all about our choices." Albus looked at him skeptically before sighing.

"I suppose it is a risk we will have to take." He glanced at the clock before turning back to Harry. "Harry, I want you to do me a favor. I understand you may not wish to get closer to other people, what with the prophecy and all, and that fiasco with Ms. Chang may have soured your opinion of relationships. Bu Harry, I beg of you, don't isolate yourself when you get back to school. You need your friends, both to help you and to keep you grounded. As it is, I am starting to have concerns about how much time you have spent by yourself gathering power. You may lose sight of why you are doing this and may very well lose yourself in power."

"I understand that sir, but are you not asking me to 'live'? If I recall, I don't exactly have a choice."

"That may be Harry, but that does not mean you can not try to love and be happy." He held up his hand to stall Harry's rebuttal. "Yes, the prophecy supposedly says otherwise, but that part can be interpreted many different ways. Otherwise Harry, I am quite pleased with your progress. I do need to go meet Amelia. Just remember what I said."

"I will, sir."

Good. Now, if you will excuse me." Harry nodded and escorted Albus out to the front door of #4, where he promptly disapparated. When Harry returned to his trunk, he found his replicates still hanging around.

"You!" He pointed his finger at #5. "You're going to show me how to do that!" #5 just nodded and they headed off to another room to practice transfiguring things into imaginary creatures.

Albus apparated to an alley near the Lovegood's home. He shook his head as he thought about the meeting he just had. He doubted Harry even realized his power, having spent the majority of his time around only himself. The young man had certainly become a powerful wizard and his power could be felt radiating off of him. Soon, he was quite sure, Harry's level of power would surpass even his own and he had to make sure he was there to guide the young man when it did.

It was a lot of hard work, but Harry soon found himself creating a variety of odd creatures that they had officially labeled as 'constructs,' but he and the others had affectionately started calling their creations Harry's Frankensteins. Luckily, these could be transfigured back to their original shape and were under complete control, unlike their namesake. With his improvement in transfiguration, he and his replicas had gotten into the habit of carrying around a small pouch of glass marbles so they would have always have something to create constructs out of.

Harry's favorite part of creating these constructs was going out to get the creative inspiration so he could design what his creations would look like and how they should move and behave. The idea that what he was doing might border on illegal magical experimentation didn't even register with him. After he had gotten the basics of transfiguring things from memory down, Harry and #3, who had magically disguised himself, set out on a field trip of sorts. Their destination? The video store. The wizarding world had nothing compared to the visual creativity of muggle Hollywood. They picked up as many science fiction and fantasy movies they could that had odd creatures and aliens. Harry had come back to #4 Privet Drive with bags full of movies. Twirling his wand idly in his hand, he calmly told the Dursleys that he would be using the TV for the next few days. Those few days turned into almost a week as he watched movies non-stop, fast-forwarding through them until he reached the parts that had what he was looking for.

It had taken a bit of practice, but Harry had soon found a body style that he could standardize in his mind for later uses. The magic itself was a bit odd for Harry, as it seemed to be half transfiguration and half conjuring. This made it a bit too complex for his controlled accidental magic and thus required a wand to create one of these constructs.

Harry's training continued for the remainder of July, going through another week of time travel, until it was the Sunday, July 28. In that time, he had learned to apparate (after splinching himself a few times, an experience he hoped never to repeat), had advanced on his transfiguration and Dark Arts. Though he was now capable of forcing his magic to create results without incantations, he found that learning new spells was beneficial in two ways. The first was that he learned of new and unique spell effects that he had never even considered. The second was that by casting a spell designed to create a specific effect, he was able to 'feel' how the magic as it did its job. By memorizing that 'feeling,' he found it easier to duplicate its effects when doing it wandlessly. He had also advanced in Charms and his DADA books.

Potions were another story altogether. Sure, he made progress, but unlike his other studies, high magical power did not translate into brewing skills. He was competent enough now to create the potions for the lower level rituals and even some of the medium level ones. Pretty much most NEWT level things. However, very complex ones such as Veritaserum, Wolfsbane, and the one needed for the Ritual of Enoch were currently above his skill level. He was going to need help.

He had even tried his hand at Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. He had given those up rather quickly, though. He figured it was a bad sign that even after all his mental exercises and enhanced mental performance, he had read the beginning books for both subjects and was still confused. Apparently, it was one of those things that you really needed a mentor for.

That Sunday morning he had sent the other four Harry's back in time. The Saturday before his uncle said something about Marge coming to visit, but the two had easily agreed that Harry would stay in his room, be absolutely silent (which wasn't too hard since he was in his tent most of the time anyway), and they would just tell the woman that Harry had gone elsewhere. Settling down in one of the chairs in the sitting room of the tent, he got ready for his magical exercise. He had decided that since he would be going to Headquarters that Saturday, he would go ahead and take the rest of the week off from time travel. This didn't mean he was going to slack off though. Sitting himself comfortably in a plush chair he had conjured, he set to work on exercising his magic.

R-o-t-G-L-

Kilometers away in a rather nice old home, however, Hermione Granger was anything but comfortable. Today was not going to be a good day, she just knew it. The weather was terrible, with a system of summer thunderstorms predicted by the meteorologist to hang around all through the week. What made it worst was that today her family was having their reunion. Its not that she didn't like her family, it's just that it was so hard not being able to talk to them. Her families on both of her parent's sides were very motivated people. Her cousins would probably talk about what nice jobs they had at some corporation or in the government while her grandparents, aunts, and uncles would grill her on what she planned on doing with her future. All the while, she had to tactfully avoid the questions since she couldn't tell them about being a witch. Then there were her younger cousins, who always seemed to bug her to no end when she tried to read.

Currently, Hermione was sitting at her desk, waiting for the first guests to arrive.

The young woman was re-reading the letter Harry had sent her last week. She really missed her best friend. While she was still concerned about his well being, he did sound better from his letter, though some parts had left her even more worried.

Hermione,

You should be proud of me. I actually have all the summer school work done, and I did a damn fine job if I do say so myself (though I don't know why they assigned any when we don't even know what classes we will be taking). I have also taken the initiative to read up on more defense spells and such for the DA. Yes, I plan on continuing it if anybody is interested. I will also need your, ah, assistance on a project once we get back to Hogwarts. I'll tell you about it later, but rest assured that the only person I trust for such a delicate task is you.

However, now all my new is good. After careful thought, I have decided that, even if I am allowed to play again this year, I will not be joining the Quidditch team. I don't really have time with all the things I need to accomplish this year. The reason I am telling you this now is that I have no clue how to break this news to either McGonagall or Ron. Hell, how do I tell the rest of the Gryffindors without getting mobbed? I am not so naïve as to think I am not important to the team. Indeed, without me, the team will have Ron and Ginny as the senior members. Nothing against them, but they are lacking in experience. Anyway, if you could help me brainstorm an easy way to let them down, I would appreciate it. Even with all of my free time, I have yet to come up with a plan. You know my personal interaction skills leave much to be desired and I really don't want our Head of House's wrath to descend on me. Well, that's all that's going on over here. I look forward to seeing you at headquarters. It really has been too long since I have seen my friends.

Your best friend,

Harry

P.S.- About your family thing, maybe you should get a Skiving Snack box from Fred and George and play sick? Best of luck on that front.

She had actually been tempted to take Harry's advice, but her sense of family responsibility had won out. She did take some solace in the fact that they would be gone by that evening. 'Unlike that fiasco two years ago where they stayed two whole days!' She thought grumpily.

"Hermione! Your Aunt Lanai and Uncle Ian will be here soon! Hurry up!" Her mom yelled up to her. Hermione put Harry's letter in a drawer where she kept the other ones he sent and checked herself in the mirror. These get together things her family had always tended to be a bit formal, and it wouldn't do any good to go down looking anything but proper. Her mom greeted her as she came down the stairs.

"Really Hermione, you spend way too much time in your room. What were you doing up there?"

"Just reading."

"Well, okay dear, but you should go out and enjoy yourself more often. Anyway, like I said, your Aunt and Uncle will be here soon so I would like you to greet them while I finish up in the sitting room. Okay?"

"Sure, mom." Anne Granger just nodded and went to finish making sure the rest of the house was in order. 'Why do I have to answer the door? Is she trying to make this day more difficult on me?' Just then, there was a knocking at the front door. Hermione, building up her internal strength for the inevitable questioning, went and opened up the door.

"Hermione! How wonderful to see you again!"

"Hello Aunt Lanai, Uncle Ian, Melissa." Hermione nodded her head to each person as she spoke his or her name. "Won't you please come in. Mum is in the sitting room."

"Why thank you dear." Lanai said as she led her husband Ian to the sitting room, leaving Hermione with her cousin Melissa. Her cousin Melissa was, of course, Lanai's and Ian's daughter. She was twenty three years old, but despite her age, she preferred to travel with her parents to family functions. The woman had recently finished her university education, graduated with honors, and was now on the fast track to becoming the head marketer at some corporation or another. A success, just like everyone else in her family.

"So Hermione, how have things at school been?" Damn, she just had to jump right into the murky waters. She hoped this wasn't an omen for how the rest of the day would go.

R-o-t-G-L-

Harry let the magic absorb back into his body after working it for the past two hours. He was tired, and the best cure for that (in his case, anyway) was food. Or pepper-up potions, but the food always tasted better.

"Dobby?" At the sound of his name, the small house elf popped into the room Harry was sitting in.

"Yes, Master Potter sir?"

"Would it be too much trouble to get a snack? I'm famished."

"Of course not Mr. Potter sir. Give Dobby a few minutes and it will be ready." With that, he popped away to the kitchen. Looking at the clock he noticed that he still had a few hours left in the day, and he didn't want to waste it.

"Master Potter sir, your food is being ready, sir."

"Thank you, Dobby." Harry entered the kitchen to find that, as usual, Dobby's version of a snack was more like a full meal. Shaking his head at the predictability of the elf, he ate as much as he could. He had decided what he would do with the rest of his time, and he would need his energy.

"Dobby!" He called out when he was done.

"Yes, Harry Potter sir?"

"I'm going to be busy for the rest of the day, and will probably turn in early. If you want, why don't you go spend some time with Winky?"

"What about getting things ready for the other Master Potters?"

"Don't worry Dobby, they won't be coming around for a while. Take a break, you deserve it." The elf just grinned happily at the praise and began to clean up the kitchen.

Harry left the tent and went to his ritual chamber. He would get one more done before he re-joined the rest of the world. Besides, if he finished it today, he could pretty much relax for the rest of the week.

Today's ritual would be similar to the last power enhancing ritual, except this was a bit more complicated. It didn't require a potion, but instead a bit more power. The last one he had done merely enhance his power by draining the magical energy from a magical vessel and using it to reinforce his 'core' as he was calling it. The difficulty was creating a vessel to drain power off of. He actually had poured his energy into the vessel (the object happened to be an old crystal vase Aunt Petunia had thrown out). There was then a long and complicated procedure that modified and enhanced the magic, changing it so that it would be absorbed into his core, instead of just dispersing when it entered him. Then he had to perform the ritual.

The one he was performing today followed the same basic concept of using a magical vessel, except that it also matured his magic. It would seem that as a person and their magic aged, the power of ones magic also increased. The point of this ritual was to 'mature' his magic, so that when he was finished, his overall power would be permanently raised. Like the concept of a magical 'core,' the idea of 'maturing' magic was more of a conceptual idea to help understand what was going on than any sort of scientific explanation. There was not one single, central place in the human body where a wizard's magic existed, but the imagery of a magical core helped him to exercise and draw upon his magic.

The process for this ritual was a bit different also. The first three had followed similar lines: scribe the rune on the body, use the liquid component and fire, and hope it works out. This time, there was no potion or flame, just magic, willpower, and the vessel. The vessel also had to be a specific object; for this ritual; it had to be a silver dagger. Seeing as silver daggers were not something easily picked up in a store, he had been required to conjure one. That alone had taken enormous energy, as he had to create it out of a rare metal and make it permanent. Then he and the other four Harry's had each worked on pouring magical energy into it for two weeks. It was only now that it was ready.

Wearing only simple canvas pants, Harry prepared for what was probably the most dangerous ritual yet. The risks had been high the last few times, but this time it was an all or nothing. The possible consequences of the other rituals were merely being reduced to squib status. This one could kill him. Of course, he had tried to reason to himself, the prophecy said only Voldemort could kill him, but since, in this case, it would be more like killing himself, he was slightly concerned.

He sat cross-legged on the center rune of the ritual chamber. Holding the dagger steady, he began the necessary chant. The dagger began to glow slightly, signaling the next step in the ritual. With a practiced ease, he dipped the tip of the dagger into his flesh and began to carve the necessary runes into his chest. He had to utilize all the mental discipline he had achieved over the past few weeks to ignore the pain of the knife cutting into his flesh and continue with the ritual. The longer the ritual went on, the brighter the dagger glowed and it had started to vibrate. By the time he had finished carving the runes, it was a challenge, even with is enhanced strength, to hold the blade steady. He continued to chant, the runes he had carved in himself went from a sharp, stinging pain to a throbbing, burning pain. All the while the blade continued to glow.

Soon the blade looked like it was made of nothing but brilliant, white energy. He placed the tip of the blade right above his heart and as soon as he uttered the last guttural syllable of the ritual, he plunged the blade of energy into his chest. In a flash of light, pain tore through his body, concentrated on where the blade had pierced him and spreading out through the runes. It felt as if someone had taken a sharpened stick of salt and was gouging out the runes on his body. While extreme, the pain was far more tolerable than the Cruciatus. The surge of energy lasted much longer than those of the previous rituals and it felt as if the power was spreading throughout him, touching every part of his body, getting soaked up.

When it finished, he slumped down to the ground and tried to catch his breath. Moving his eyes, he checked to make sure that stabbing himself had not resulted in mortally wounding himself. Seeing as he was not laying in a pool of blood, he felt he could assume that it was a success. Glancing down at his chest, he was pleased to see that the runes he had carved into himself were nothing more than welts now and would probably be sometime tomorrow. He finally pushed himself to his feet. Even though he had supposedly just increased his magical energy, he felt completely exhausted. Without Dobby around to prepare a high-energy meal, he decided that, for the first time in months, he was going to sleep.

R-o-t-G-L-

Hermione was having a really bad day. The weather was terrible, she had to deal with her family, and what was worse, she now was sitting with her mum's parents and her cousin Melissa and her parents. Everyone else had gone home, but noooo, they just had to hang around and interrogate her about her life. Well, that wasn't completely fair, the conversation had started out innocently enough, with Melissa asking about her parent's dental practice. It was when the subject turned to Hermione that things went downhill.

"So, Hermione," Her Grandmother asked, "have you caught any young men's eyes?"

'Thanks grandma, jump straight into gossip,' Hermione mentally complained. 'I suppose it is better than asking about school.'

"Why yes she has, mother," Anne butted in before she could answer, "there is this lovely boy named Harry that Hermione just goes on and on about."

"Really Hermione?' the elder lady said. "Why haven't we heard of this before?"

"It's really nothing Grandma, as I have told mum on countless occasions." At this she glared at her mom, who was choosing to ignore her. "We are just really good friends." Hermione explained. It was then her grandfather who spoke up next.

"Now Hermione, no need to get all upset with your mother. Besides, I think that it is wonderful that my little girl finally has her eye on a boy. It's about time you learned that there are more things out there than just books and knowledge." At this almost sacrilegious statement, Hermione sputtered indignantly but failed to form a coherent reply.

"Really, Hermione, it's nothing to be ashamed about." Now Melissa had joined in. "Besides, no matter how productive it is, you can't spend all of your time reading. I think a boyfriend would be good for you." Hermione merely threw a glare at her cousin. "So, does this Harry fellow go to your school? Is that where you met him?"

"Yes she did, and she just can't stop talking about him!" Now her dad had joined. 'Great,' she thought, 'I might as well just leave the room for all practical purposes. Oh well. I wonder when they will leave? I just thought of something I wanted to add to my charms essay. Maybe I can get extra credit from Professor Flitwick.' Her musings were cut short when she heard her name called.

"Hermione?"

"Oh, sorry," she said sheepishly. "I just spaced out for a moment."

"Thinking about your future boyfriend Hermione?"

"No Melissa, I was not. I'm sorry grandmother, what did you ask?"

"Its all right dear. I was just asking about the school you go to. Hogwarts wasn't it?"

"Yes Gran, Hogwarts School for the Gifted."

"Right, right, what are you studying?"

"Oh, I um..." Whatever excuse she was going to make up was quickly cut off as a green light flooded through the windows. Hermione rushed to the front window to see what was going on. Outside, floating above the street, was the Dark Mark. And right below it was about five people in black robes with white masks. "Oh no."

"Hermione, what is it?"

"Mum, it's the Death Eaters. You know, those guys who follow Voldemort." At this, both Anne and John paled at this. Albus Dumbledore had told them about those people when he had contacted them about Hermione's involvement in the ministry incident. That was on top of what Hermione had told them in Paris after reading the newspaper about that very same incident. Hermione pulled out her wand, which she had had hidden in the sleeve of her blouse.

"John, Anne, what going on?" Hermione's mind didn't register which of her family members said it. She was focused on one thing only, keeping the rest of her family safe.

"Sorry Grandma, there's no time to explain. Everyone should move to the kitchen. We need to hurry, the wards are falling." Hermione said in a very rushed, panicked voice. The rest of her family complied when both Anne and John had started to head towards the kitchen. As soon as her family had entered the kitchen, Hermione cast a quick colloportus and an imperturbable charm on the door, hopefully protecting her family.

"Anne! What's Hermione doing? We can't open the door! What's going on?" Anne just looked on in shock. Her daughter had sealed them in, but had stayed out to try and protect them.

Hermione, at that time, was standing in the sitting room, scared out of her wits and was giving herself a pep talk. "Alright Hermione, what would Harry do? He's faced off Death Eaters before and come out unscathed. Right, keep moving, dodge what I can, try to block what I can't. Charge in head first and hope you come out ok. No! Bad idea. God, I hope the Order gets here soon!"

She saw a bright flash as the last of the wards around her home came down. She again cast the colloportus spell and an unbreakable charm on the font door. Seeing as how they had brought down the wards Dumbledore had set up, it was then safe to assume that they wouldn't have too much trouble breaking down the spells on the door. She ducked behind a wall, her wand ready, and waited. She didn't have to wait long. As soon as the door burst open, she was casting.

'Stupefy!' She heard the satisfying sound of a body hitting the ground. Unfortunately, she didn't have much time to celebrate as she had to jump out of the way of a killing curse. She replied with another stunner, only for it to be blocked by a shield.

'Reducto!' Hermione barely had time to throw up a shield as the wall she had ducked behind was obliterated in front of her. With the dust obscuring both her and the attackers vision, she thrust her wand out in front of her.

'Petrificus totalus!' She shot wildly through the cloud as another killing curse whizzed by her. By now the cloud was beginning to settle. She could now make out at least four of the Death Eaters. Apparently, they weren't too interested in reviving their comrade just yet.

'Avis!' A flock of birds flew from her wand. She tried running deeper into the house, trying to lead them away from the kitchen.

Unfortunately, one of the Death Eaters was successful in banishing the birds and had hit her with a jelly legs jinx. Right afterwards, she was struck by the disarming spell and the Full Body Bind. The Death Eaters surrounded her, wands pointed at her.

"Well, looks like we caught ourselves a mudblood." The Death Eater that spoke kicked her in the side. "Not so tough now, are you?" This brought a laugh out of the rest of them.

"Did you really think you could defy our lord and get away with it? You and your friends will suffer for your insolence!" Another shouted.

"So mudblood, what do you think? Should we kill you first, or let you watch as we finish off the rest of your family?" He said with a sneer. If she could have moved, she would have cringed. That had always been a fear of hers after she had come to realize the dangers facing the wizarding world, fear that her family would get dragged down into the danger she willingly put herself in.

"Don't worry mudblood, you don't have to answer just yet. In fact, I want to have some fun first!" With a malicious glint in his eye, he aimed his wand at her head.

'Cruci...' His curse was stopped short as a bolt of red energy slammed into his chest, throwing him to the ground. The other three turned around to face their new opponent. More bolts of red light flew towards them, striking one and missing the other two, who quickly disaparated. Hermione felt was wave of relief as Kingsley Shackelbolt, Auror and member of the Order of the Pheonix, stepped into her field of view. He quickly removed the spells that were binding her and helped her up. She looked at who else had shown up. Besides Kingsley, there was Remus and two other men she couldn't place. They wore robes similar to Kingsley's, so she assumed that they too were Aurors.

"Are you okay Ms.Granger?" He asked as she dusted herself off.

"Yes, thank you. Could you check on my family? They're in the kitchen."

"Right. Remus!" Hermione turned to see the last of the Marauders nod his head and turn towards the kitchen. "Now Ms. Granger, Dumbledore has given us a portkey that will take you to headquarters."

"What about my family? They can't just stay here!"

"No, they can't. For now we will bring them with us until we can re-establish the wards and fix the place up. If necessary, we can obliviate them later." Hermione just shook her head as Remus escorted her family into what was left of the entry and sitting room. Upon seeing her daughter, Anne Granger flung herself at Hermione, gripping her in a bear hug.

"Don't you ever do that again young lady! We were so worried about you!" She then turned to Kingsley, still clutching her daughter. "What happened?"

"Not to worry ma'am. Albus will talk to you when you get to headquarters." With that he pulled out a meter long piece of rope. "I need everyone to take hold of this. We will bring some of your personal belongings later. Right now the priority is to get you to safety." With that said, Hermione, her parents, her grandparents, and her cousin, grabbed the rope and found themselves traveling to #12 Grimmauld Place.

R-o-t-G-L-

Harry had just fallen asleep for the first time in what would be months for him when the sound of klaxons tore him from his slumber. His wards were going off. Wizards had entered #4 Privet Drive, and from the sound of it, there were more than just a few of them.