Behind the Mask

Chapter Two: Roses Are Red, Heroes Are Green

"Harry, where did that mask come from?"

Harry forced himself to look into her eyes. The pink tinge that had darkened her cheeks spread to her neckline, but her determination to find the answers she needed prevented her from looking away.

"I found it in the Room of Requirement."

"Wha—"

"I asked the room to show me a way to find the Horcruxes and defeat Voldemort!" Harry blurted it out before he could stop himself. "When I entered the room, it was all different and bloody ancient. In the middle stood a stone plinth, with this wooden mask sitting in its center. When I picked up the mask, I saw a bunch of runes etched into it. I figured that you could decipher them. I tossed it in my trunk and forgot to show it to you on the train. When I got back to the Dursleys, I found it in my trunk. It was glowing. I picked it up, then the next moment I was putting it up to my face. The bloody thing attached itself to me, and suddenly I became him."

Hermione's eyes were wide as she studied his face. "Who? Who did you become?"

"That guy in the green mask. I mean, it was me, but it wasn't. I was taller. I was happier. I was free ..."

Several minutes passed before either of them spoke. Finally, Hermione broke the silence. "What was tonight about?"

"That mask gave me all sorts of new magical powers, Hermione. A magic that isn't covered by the trace. I could do wandless magic. I could transfigure anything with the snap of my fingers. All I had to do was imagine it, and it would happen. I came here cause I knew that you could figure it out. I had to see you."

He felt his face burn at his last omission as he watched Hermione's eyebrows travel up into her hairline.

"I can show you, if—" Harry had reached for the mask, but Hermione's hand clasped down upon his.

"I believe you, Harry." Their eyes locked, and at that moment, he couldn't have looked away if he had wanted to. "But until we figure out what this mask truly is, I don't think that you should touch it."

"You're not gonna yell at me for being thick?"

A small smile tugged at Hermione's lips. "Not yet. Though, the thought had crossed my mind. Instead, I'd rather hear what you've been up to tonight before you arrived here."

Harry noted in the back of his mind that she hadn't let go of his hand. As the memories of the Dursleys and the Death Eaters swam back into focus, a mischievous smile spread across his face.

~~Ksam Eht Dniheb~~

Harry sat in silence while he watched Hermione study the runes etched into the surface of the mask. Her parents had yet to return from upstairs, other than a brief moment where Mrs. Granger had popped down to check on them and to fetch a glass of water.

Hermione hadn't had much to say after he divulged his night's escapades, though a couple of eye rolls did give him an idea as to what she had been thinking.

"Well, according to these runes, this mask was created by a group of wizards over a thousand years ago. They did so in hopes of in-boding the wearer with the powers of the Norse god, Loki."

Harry stared at the mask, his mouth agape. "Bloody hell!"

"Harry, don't expect to meet Loki any time soon," Hermione sighed, patting his knee and sending chills up his leg. "These runes don't channel power from Norse mythology. They simply attempt to unlock the wearer's full potential. It channels your powers like a wand. It's probably made from some ancient wood and has been enhanced by several enchantments."

"Is it dangerous?"

Hermione hesitated. "No ... I don't believe so, in a sense that there doesn't seem to be anything dark about these runes." She scanned the book she had open on the table once more, running her finger down the page. "The only problem is that it lowers the wearer's inhibitions, meaning that you're more likely to do things that you normally wouldn't."

Harry watched as her eyes fell upon the rose, lying on the table.

"It doesn't make you do things, does it?"

Hermione swallowed. "No, but it does enhance your magical powers. It taps into the energy around it, like a lightning rod. Even a Muggle would have powers while wearing it. If someone like Voldemort ever got his hands on it ..."

"The Room of Requirement gave this to me to use against him. To help me find his Horcruxes and destroy them."

Hermione stared at the mask, her mind working over something. Clenching her hand into a fist, she smacked the couch cushion. "Then let's do it ... but only on one condition." Her gaze traveled from the mask to his face. "We test the mask's abilities together, and you promise me that if I ask, you'll remove it immediately."

"Agreed." Harry reached over and patted her hand. "I trust you, Hermione."

At the look in her eyes, Harry removed his hand from hers, both of them swallowing. He didn't like feeling awkward around her. However, that rose and her reaction to it had made his feelings difficult to ignore.

Hermione cleared her throat. "There's one more thing. The mask can only be used at night. The sunlight robs it of its abilities. That's why you didn't notice it glowing until you arrived at the Dursleys."

"Got it. Horcrux hunting is now a nocturnal adventure."

Hermione sighed again. "There's one last thing. I'm not certain if we should tell Ron."

"Tell Ron about what?" Harry retorted, his mind shutting down for some reason.

A pink tinge reappeared on Hermione's cheeks. "About the mask. I'm not certain if he should know about it."

"Why?"

"Harry, Ron has always been a bit power-hungry and jealous of your ... your Chosen One status."

Harry's hands trembled at her words. He couldn't stand being referred to as the 'Chosen One'. The fact that Ron might still be jealous of his burden angered him. "Seriously? After everything that bloody title has cost me, he still wishes he was the Boy-Who-Lived?"

"Harry, Ron's still your best friend, but it's hard for him, living in your shadow." Hermione held up a hand. "I know that you didn't choose this life, but he didn't choose to be the youngest of six brothers either. He's had to live under their expectations, only to show up at Hogwarts and be overshadowed by his best friend."

Harry bit the inside of his lip. "You're right, Hermione."

"Now, this mask, if it can do everything you say, is possibly the most dangerous object in the Wizarding world. We're going to have to keep this a secret."

Harry frowned. "How are we going to keep it from Ron if we go away together? How are we going to keep this from the Order? They're supposed to be coming for the Dursleys and me in a fortnight. What if the Dursleys tell the Order about the guy in the green mask?"

Before Hermione could answer, they heard footsteps coming down the stairs. They turned around to see Mr. and Mrs. Granger standing at the foot of the steps.

"How are you feeling, young man?"

"Feeling better, sir," Harry nodded.

"Excellent." Mr. Granger's eyes traveled to the clock on the wall, then back to Harry. "Well, it's getting late. I'm not certain how your family would feel, but I'm not comfortable with you flying home on your broom this late at night with everything going on. I can drive you home tonight, or you can stay the night in our guest room, and then I can drive you home in the morning."

Hermione glanced at Harry. "Please, dad, let Harry stay in the guest room tonight."

"Will it be okay with his family?"

"They won't be bothered, Mrs. Granger," Harry retorted. "They'll be glad to be free of me."

Mr. and Mrs. Granger exchanged a look before nodding.

"We'll go prepare your room. Hermione, give us a few minutes then show Mr. Potter up."

"Okay, mum." Hermione stared at the stairs until her parents disappeared around the corner at the top, then turned her focus to Harry. "I dunno yet, but we've got roughly two weeks to figure it out."

"How are we gonna figure this out if you're here, and I'm at the Dursleys? Without tying them to a chair every evening, I doubt that they'll let me use the phone."

Hermione's cheeks turned pink as she bit her lower lip. "Well, what if your green friend persuaded the Dursleys to let you leave at night? You could then come over here, or we could go somewhere to talk and plan."

"Um, wouldn't your parents become suspicious?"

Hermione glanced at the rose on the table, then swallowed. "Not if we started seeing each other. I mean, it would be the perfect cover. Nobody would suspect a thing." She inhaled then exhaled a long breath. "Besides, it would give us a chance to hang out away from school and see how we feel about one another."

"Uh, sounds great." His lips jerked as he allowed a smile to curve his face.

Hermione returned his smile, then touched his hand. "Come on, Harry. I'll show you up to your room. You look exhausted. That mask must really drain your magical core."

"Uh, sure."

Harry followed her up the stairs and to their guest room with the mask tucked beneath his jacket. She showed him where everything was then bid him goodnight. As he laid on the bed, her words kept replaying over in his mind. See how we feel about one another.

~~Ksam Eht Dniheb~~

The next morning, Harry awoke to the smell of sausage. He slipped out of his room and down the stairs to find the Granger family preparing breakfast.

"You're the quiet one," Mr. Granger quipped, spying Harry at the bottom of the steps.

Harry shrugged. "I'm used to moving about without making a sound."

Hermione started then fumbled a biscuit. Harry dropped his jacket as he snatched the biscuit out of the air, then handed it to her. Mr. and Mrs. Granger exchanged glances.

"Your plate is already on the table, Harry." Hermione pointed to a place at the table as a pink tinge crept up her neck. "Leave your jacket on the couch, and I'll pack it away."

"Pack it away?" Harry repeated as he joined the Grangers at the table.

Mr. Granger took a sip of coffee. "Don't want to draw too much attention. I had suggested placing your broom in my hunting case, but Hermione thought best to transport it the magical way."

Harry's eyebrows rose into his hairline as he watched Hermione stuff his jacket into her tiny handbag. "Undetectable extension charms."

"Brilliant," Harry breathed.

The same pink tinge reappeared as Hermione joined them at the table. "Nothing much to it. Your broom fit nicely inside as well. I'll just remove them as soon as we get to your aunt and uncle's place."

"We?" Harry glanced at Hermione's dad.

"What did you expect? For us to make you walk or take the underground? We'll motor you across town after breakfast to your uncle's place."

"Mum? Dad? Would it be okay if Harry came over tonight and we watched a movie?"

This time, Mrs. Granger's eyebrows disappeared into her bangs. "I don't see why not. You and Harry already discussed it?"

"Yeah. Last night before we turned in."

Mr. Granger nodded. "I have no problem with that. We won't be leaving for a few days anyway. Dr. Priddy won't be available to watch the office until next week."

Harry frowned at Hermione. Before he could ask, Mr. Granger continued.

"My only concern is how Harry will get here from his uncle's house." He turned his gaze to Harry. "No offense, but your venture here last night was a bit reckless. Hermione has told us about some of the dangers surrounding you."

"I just had a wonderful idea!" Mrs. Granger's eyes brightened, the same way that Hermione did when she thought of something brilliant. "Harry, would you like to join us on holiday in Australia?"

Harry blinked as he stared at Hermione. "Australia?"

"I, um, forgot to mention it." Hermione swallowed as she stared at Harry. "My mum and dad want to go on holiday to Australia. To get away from all the chaos."

Harry sniffed then nodded. "Sounds brilliant. However, I'm not sure if me accompanying you to Australia would be such a great idea. Dangerous people are hunting for me. While my venture here was a bit reckless, I used a new way of travel that proved effective. As far as everyone is concerned, I'm still at my aunt and uncle's."

"Can you use the same way to return home?"

Harry shook his head. "No, Mrs. Granger. It only works at night, and in my haste, I forgot my invisibility cloak in my trunk."

"Invisibility cloak?" Mr. Granger repeated.

"Yes, dad. It makes the wearer invisible." Hermione shot Harry daggers. "Though I cannot believe that Harry would run off without it."

"I was distracted by things that were happening."

Mr. Granger cleared his throat. "Well, I'm sure that we can find a Muggle way to sneak you in."

The Muggle way that Mr. Granger referenced turned out to be riding in the back of their hatchback with a quilt pulled over him. He would have rather battled a hundred Death Eaters to the death. When they reached No. 4, Privet Drive, Mr. Granger helped him out of the back as one of the neighbors looked on. Harry nodded then followed Mr. and Mrs. Granger to the front door. Hermione walked along beside him.

"You really don't have to see me in, Mr. Granger."

"Nonsense, Harry. What kind of people would we be to simply drop you off at your family's home without introducing ourselves?"

Harry sighed as Mr. Granger knocked on the door.

Uncle Vernon answered. "Hello. What do you want?"

"Forgive the morning call, Mr. Dursley. My name is Dr. Eugene Granger, and this is my wife, Dr. Danielle Granger. Your nephew, Harry, attends school with our daughter."

Uncle Vernon's mouth gaped. "You're one of them?"

"No, Mr. Dursley," Mrs. Granger retorted. "Our daughter is special, but we're merely dentists."

"May we come in?"

Uncle Vernon looked up at Mr. Granger, then coughed, "Um, yes. Please come in."

Uncle Vernon held the door to let them enter. As Harry passed, they exchanged glares. Aunt Petunia straightened her blouse as she exited the kitchen to see who had stopped by. Her smile faltered when she saw Harry standing amongst them.

"Forgive our intrusion this morning," Mr. Granger began. "Harry stopped by our home last night, and it became that of an extended stay. By the time we finished visiting, the time had gotten away from us, and I didn't feel that it was safe to send him on his way. I want to apologize for not calling and informing you first."

"Hm." Uncle Vernon's eyes reduced to slits. "What do you really want?"

"I beg your pardon."

"Come off it! He's been spewing all this rubbish ever since he came back from that school about how we're all in danger and that we're going to have to leave soon." Uncle Vernon pointed a thick finger at Harry. "Rubbish, I tell you! First, that green freak showed up last night, and now you lot! You're after the house! I know it!"

Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked from Harry to Uncle Vernon. Harry had balled his fists as he listened to madness. Hermione reached over and grasped his fist to try and calm him.

"Mr. Dursley, I sincerely have no idea what you're on about." Mr. Granger spoke in an even tone. "However, I find myself concerned about your stability and the stability of this home."

Aunt Petunia pointed a boney finger at Harry. "The stability of this home disappeared the moment that he started attending that school."

Mr. Granger glanced at his wife, then cracked his neck. "Harry, collect your things. You're leaving with us."

"Sir, I can't. If I do, the protection that covers this house will break, and I'll place your family in grave danger."

Mr. Granger turned to face him. "Harry, I admire your heart. However, these people care nothing for you. As for us, I'm not afraid of danger. That said, is there any way for the protection to remain here while you're gone?"

"My understanding is that as long as I plan to return here, the protection stays." Harry sighed, "But my presence in your home—"

"Then leave something here," Mrs. Granger interrupted. "Gather what you need, but leave something of yours here. That way, you'll have to return to get it. You let us worry about your protection."

"I knew that you'd one day end up shacked up with your kind! Just like my sister."

"How dare you infer, madam, that I would allow a boy to shack up with my daughter under my roof!" Mr. Granger roared, causing the Dursleys to shrink away.

Hermione gripped Harry's hand and dragged him up the stairs. "Which one is your bedroom?"

"This one." Harry pointed to the middle room. "But I can't—"

Hermione shoved him into the room then closed the door. "Shut up and listen. My mum is right. If you leave something here that you have to come back to get, this remains your home. Toss everything that you need right now into my purse except for your invisibility cloak. Then, make a big scene, toss the invisibility cloak over yourself, lock the door, and follow me out. I'll make a scene on the way out about how thick you are. My parents will catch on once we get to the car. The Order will never know you're gone until it's too late."

"The Order?"

"They're watching this house. It dawned on me while you were talking about the wards. The last thing we need is for them to know where you are."

"What about your parents? I can't place them in danger."

Hermione huffed. "We have one week to make a plan. If you're with us, then it'll be easy. Then, if needed, we'll send my parents to Australia."

"How are we going to do that?"

"I'll explain later. Right now, dig out what you need from your trunk, then leave the rest here."

Harry gazed into her eyes, then relented and began digging everything that he might need. He watched in amazement as she stuffed it all into her purse.

"Right. Now, toss the cloak over you, then argue with me."

Harry tossed the invisibility cloak over himself then shouted, "Nothing of it, Hermione! I'm bloody staying right here!"

"But Harry—"

"But nothing! Take your parents and leave! Before I summon the Order!"

Harry shoved her out into the hallway, then slammed the door behind him as he grasped her arm. Hermione nearly smiled then frowned. Closing her eyes, tears began to streak her face.

"Fine! Harry James Potter! Stay here, for all I bloody care!"

Hermione raced down the stairs and out the front door. Harry slipped past the Grangers as they peered up the stairs then out the door. Hermione flung the car door open then slid across the back seat with her arms folded. Harry smirked as he dropped in beside her.

A minute later, the Grangers joined them. Mr. Granger closed the back door then climbed into the driver's seat. The Dursleys stared out the front door as Mrs. Granger joined them, and they sped away.

"What just happened?"

"A little high jinx, darling, I presume," Mr. Granger laughed. "Right, Harry?"

"What?" Mrs. Granger stared at her husband, then turned around and looked in the back seat.

Harry laughed. "I'm here, Mrs. Granger. Too bad, my cousin Dudley wasn't home. He missed all the excitement."

"How did you know?" Hermione scoffed, staring at her dad.

"Simple, really," Mr. Granger snorted. "I've never known you to miss an opportunity to slam a car door while throwing a tantrum."

"Eugene!" Mrs. Granger huffed, slapping him on the shoulder. "Be nice."

Mr. Granger coughed. "Forgive me. Now, I assume that you realized we were being watched and decided to throw them off the trail." Before they could ask, he added, "Special Forces training. I haven't forgotten everything."

"Then, you'll forgive me for not removing my cloak. Yes, Hermione realized that the Order was probably watching the house, as I should have suspected too. Now, it's not too late for you all to change your minds."

"Perish the thought, Harry. We offered our home to you, knowing the danger. Should the followers of this terrorist had ever made contact with your uncle, he would have sold you out in a heartbeat."

"Thank you, Mr. Granger."

"Now, we have a week to figure out how to sneak you out of the country."

Harry looked at Hermione. Even though she couldn't see him, he could tell that she knew the expression on his face. Her father was correct. They had one week.

~~Ksam Eht Dniheb~~

Hermione sat in the guest room with Harry, watching the sunset through the window. The Grangers had stepped out to the grocer for more supplies. They had spent the day after arriving home, discussing how to smuggle Harry out of the country. The most straightforward plan was to book five seats and have Harry wear the invisibility cloak to Australia with his stuff in Hermione's handbag.

"Do you think that you can control it?"

Harry sighed. "I remember everything. I knew what I was doing, but I had no reservations. The only time that I even hesitated was when Dudley thought I was Voldemort. He hollered for me to save them."

"Then, that proves that you can be reasoned with while wearing the mask." Hermione placed a hand on his. "I'll be right here to keep you grounded while we test your powers."

While Harry stared into her eyes, the mask on the bed began to glow. It drew their eyes to it. Hermione's breath hitched as Harry picked it up. He smiled at her.

"See you on the other side."

Before she could answer, Harry placed the mask on his face. Thunder crackled as the mask encompassed his head. He rose into the air, spun like a hurricane, then landed on his feet.

"Roses are red," Harry snapped his fingers, and a dozen roses appeared in Hermione's arms, "heroes are green. It's time for me and you to ditch this lame scene!"

Hermione screamed as Harry grasped her hand, then snapped his fingers as the room around them dissolved with a pop.

A/N: Hello, hello, hello! Time to finish another story! A little setup chapter. I hope you enjoyed it! Please review and let me know what you thought! I will be updating as quickly as I can. However, this isn't a quick pop story (pun intended). I'm going to write and post this one as I go. I've laid out the roadmap, so we'll where this one goes. If I hit a roadblock, I'll shout out to my Dad for help! Lol. Special Thanks to my Dad, AA, for being beta. Now, back to my writing and homework. A's in Reading and Writing! Yay! FF does a report card good!

JB