A Siren's Call

Chapter 4

To say Hermione was worried would be an understatement. She was worried that if she tried the Sleeping Tonic that Severus had given her, that she would have another nightmare. She paced, Ginny watched her from the bed, her head moved from one direction to the other as her head followed Hermione in the direction she was going.

"Would you stop already," Ginny demanded in a slightly annoyed tone, "If you're that worried about the sleeping draft don't take it."

"I'm sorry," Hermione said walking to the bed where Ginny was sleeping, "What if I have one of those weird dreams again?"

"Then you can sleep with me," Ginny said, patting the empty spot next to her on the bed.

Hermione nodded in agreement, before climbing into bed with Ginny.

"Drink it quickly before you change your mind," Ginny said, handing her the potion.

Hermione stuck her tongue out at Ginny before drinking the draft down in one gulp. This caused her to gag for a moment before chasing it with a few sips of water. Then together they snuggled together on Ginny's bed, they were both so tired they were asleep just moments after their heads hit their pillows.

~Dream~

Hermione stepped out of the doorway and into the garden. Looking around she saw that everyone was hard at work. Cedric and Fred were weeding the garden. George was mowing the grass, and Viktor was trimming the hedges.

She openly gaped at them, they were all wearing shorts, their shirts were discarded in a pile by the back door. They were all glazed in a layer of sweat and dirt. She turned abruptly walking back inside, only to come back with a tray of Lemonade.

""You boys, look like you need a drink," she said, her voice sounding strained. She wondered if it was normal to wish they would drop what they were doing and make love to her, right there in the yard. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she handed them each a glass.

"Thank you," they all said.

"Lunch will be ready soon," she said, her voice laced with want and need, "why don't you start cleaning up?"

"If that is what our lady wishes," Fred said from behind her, lacing his hand around her waist he pulled her into him. She could feel his hardened member rub against her lower back, "then so shall it be."

She whimpered as they surrounded her, boxing her in. Tentatively they touched her with their hands, rubbing her all over. She moaned loudly...

~End Dream~

"Hermione," Ginny said, trying to shake her friend awake, "Hermione wakes up."

"What's the matter Ginny?" Hermione asked, finding it difficult to open her eyes.

"You were moaning in your sleep," Ginny said, "I'll admit it's better than waking up rolling and kicking me. What were you dreaming about anyways?"

"Life after Hogwarts," Hermione said sleepily, "My mates and I were living in a cottage, and they were tending to the foliage and I gave them lemonade and then they started touching me, like I wish they would. Gosh it felt so real,"

"Try and go back to sleep," Ginny said tiredly, "Maybe you should stop taking the potion."

"Maybe," Hermione said, laying back down and falling asleep once again.

When Hermione woke in the morning, if she dreamt after falling back to sleep, she could not remember it. She shrugged it off as hormones. She and Ginny dressed before heading down for breakfast.

"I'm glad you are awake," Molly asked, setting a plate of food in front of her and fresh cup of tea "How are you feeling dear?"

"I'm fine," Hermione said, "No weird dreams this time, but I still managed to wake up in the middle of the night."

"Perhaps you should try sleeping without the potion for a night or two," Molly suggested.

"Ginny suggested the same thing this morning," Hermione said, smiling brightly.

Molly served Ginny food before setting the rest of the table, "Save some for your brothers Ginny dear."

"Well, if they would get up earlier, I wouldn't need to," Ginny whined reaching for the plate of bacon in the middle of the table. The three pieces that her mum had given her, just was not enough. Hermione laughed at Ginny's antics, before she began eating her own food.

Fred and George ran into Cedric in the hall on the way down to breakfast "Morning," Cedric said wiping the sleep from his eyes, "I had the strangest dream..."

Fred and George looked at each other, "At a cottage?" one of the twins asked.

Cedric nodded, "We can talk about that later," Fred said grinning.

"Now we need to hurry to breakfast before Ron and Ginny eat all of the food," George finished.

"Someone should wake Neville," Cedric said, turning to walk towards where Neville's room was.

"No need," said a voice from the next floor up, here it was Neville coming down from the third floor, "I'm already awake."

"Good to see you mate," George said, patting Neville on the back, before they all proceeded to race down the stairs, as the four of them made it to the kitchen they were surprised to see, Ron, Ginny and Hermione sitting down already.

"How good of you to join us," Ginny said in a mocking tone, "please do sit down."

"Why Ginevra, you are positively bossy this morning," Fred said in the same mocking tone.

"Don't call me Ginevra," Ginny parroted back, "Frederick."

"Alright, you two, that's enough," Mr. Weasley said from the doorway. His eyes smiled as he held back a laugh that threatened to spill forth.

"Good morning," Molly said, walking up to him. She whispered something into his ear. When he smiled and nodded, he was rewarded with a kiss on the cheek. To the kids it seemed normal, to Arthur it was a promise of something more. And he would be sure to collect it many times during the day. He smirked at his wife, giving her a wink as he sat down at the table. You see Arthur Weasley was the most blessed of all Weasley's as he never had to fill his own plate. *

Hermione watched the exchange, silently wishing that when she was their age that she would still be in as much love as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley seemed to be.

"Hey," Ron complained, "Ginny, give me back my bacon."

"Nope," she said tauntingly, "You snooze, you lose."

The bantering back and forth went on for the entirety of breakfast, before Sirius and Remus joined them. Then Sirius regaled them with stories about the many pranks they pulled while in school.

The day passed about as quickly as the day normally passed...

That evening after dinner, Hermione was in the library as usual, she, Neville and Ginny had been working on cataloging it.

She had been working on shelving a group of books about magical creatures when Ginny and Neville announced they were going for snacks. Hermione was so engrossed in the books that she missed the announcement completely. Leaving the stacks to go in search of them, she was surprised to see them gone. She shrugged, before picking up what she hoped was the last of the creature books she headed back to where she had been before. She had not heard the door to the library open, nor had she seen a certain Hufflepuff 7th year sneaking in.

He followed her into the stacks where she nearly dropped her books when he whispered her name into her ear.

"You scared me," she said, panting, her hand held over her heart.

"I'm sorry," he said, taking the books from her arms and placing them on the empty shelfing. "That wasn't my intention."

"That's not where those go," Hermione said, reaching for the books.

"Oh, I know," he said haughtily, "But I mean to distract you. So those books can take a break while I do so."

"Oh?" was all she was able to say before he captured her lips with his own.

Her arms wrapped around his shoulders; her hands slithered into his hair. He wrapped his arms around her waist, one hand clasped at her waist, the other clasped onto her shoulder as he squeezed her to him, nearly cutting off her air circulation.

The kiss started off lightly and gradually moved towards desperation. Before 2 min was up the kisses had turned into a frenzied kiss where neither could get enough of the other.

"We have to stop," he said finally, pulling away from her gently. She nodded in agreement, before they came together again for a series of gentle kisses that would set the two of them on fire at any given moment.

After the two finally tried to pull apart, she stood there encased in his arms for a few moments. She found she was a little tired.

"Maybe you should take a break," Cedric said letting her go reluctantly, "Go and get some rest. You can pick up where you left off tomorrow."

"Ok," she said, leaning in for another kiss before heading towards the door.

After stopping to say good night to the adults, who were all wondering why she was going to bed so early. Well, early for them it was half past 9, closer to 10 really. She explained that she was tired, and that she was going to try and go to sleep without the help of the potion.

They all nodded in agreement, and she and Cedric headed towards the room she shared with Ginny. Cedric kissed her on the cheek before ushering her into her room.

When Hermione entered, Ginny was laying on her bed looking up at the sealing. "Gin you alright?" Hermione asked.

"Oh yes," Ginny said looking over at Hermione.

"Alright," Hermione said, not believing her for a moment, "spill."

"Well, Neville and I were in the kitchen having a snack," she rambled, playing with the hem of her shirt, "and we decided to give Kreacher a break by doing our own dishes. And I dropped a plate."

"And," Hermione said, urging her to continue.

"And we kissed," Ginny said blushing, "the first kiss was very sweet. The second kiss was much better, and after a while I felt like I was flying."

Hermione stayed quiet, waiting for a cue from her friend that she wanted her input. When Hermione did not say anything she continued, "I really like him Mione'"

"Are the two of you together now?" Hermione asked curiously.

"I don't know," Ginny replied, she propped her chin on her hand looking up at Hermione with wide eyes, "he didn't ask. Not that he had much of a chance. He rushed off almost as soon as we stopped. I do not know if he was embarrassed or nervous that I was going to overreact. Or it could be that Sirius was standing in the doorway glaring at us."

"That's why you're up here," Hermione said, scooting closer to Ginny in bed. They were sitting Indian style on the bed facing each other: "I looked for you in the library, but all I found was Cedric."

"Did something happen?" Ginny asked, turning onto her side. She is now propped up on her elbow.

"I couldn't get enough of him," Hermione said, her face turning a dark shade of red, "if he hadn't stopped us, I don't know what would have happened. I feel like a moth drawn to a flame. And the thought that such a flame would eat me alive frightens me, but I still can't seem to fight the pull it has over me."

Ginny did not really understand just yet what Hermione was trying to say; but she nodded in understanding anyway.

After a few moments of silence, they said goodnight before turning out the lights and going to sleep. To their surprise, they both slept through the night, as they dreamt about their boys. Hermione dreamt again of Viktor, Fred, George, and Cedric, only the dream was much milder. Ginny dreamt of Neville, of his kisses and of the time they would spend together.

The next few weeks passed much the same as the last, only with less waking in the middle of the night. Then suddenly Harry arrived. Hermione entered Ron's room, blubbering about how they could not expel him, and that it was unfair about what they were saying in the Daily Profit. She then latched onto him hugging him about the neck like she was scared to lose him.

After she reluctantly let go, Harry started yelling about not getting letters, asking about what Voldemort was up to, and why they would not give him any information about what was going on.

"Honestly, we have no idea what is going on, they don't include us in anything," Hermione said, crossing her arms defensively.

"You couldn't send a letter explaining that?!" Harry yelled loudly, "Imagine sitting in your room wondering why your friends are talking about cleaning and other rubbish." *

"Harry," Fred said from the doorway.

"Harry, mate, we thought that was you," George said.

"Don't bottle it all up mate."

"There are parts of Paris that didn't hear you."

"I'm sorry, I'm just so frustrated," Harry said in an apologetic tone, "I just want to know what's going on."

"We don't really know, mate," Ron said with honesty, "they won't tell us."

"I'm sorry," Harry said turning and looking around, "What is this place anyway?"

"Headquarters," Ron said, "for the Order of Phoenix. Dumbledore started it years ago during the first war, he has restarted it, I guess. Will not let us join though. We're too young."

"Oh," Harry said, "So what do we do now?"

"Well normally we would attempt to have a listen, but they've already blocked off our availability to listen and put up silencing charms they have," Hermione said. Harry could not help but notice that she was starting to sound like the twin a little. Perhaps it had been just his imagination.

They ended up showing him to the library, where he saw Neville and Cedric sitting in big comfy chairs.

"Hello," Harry said, "I didn't realize that you guys were going to be here."

"Dumbledore thought it was safer for us," Cedric said, "plus we get to be near our girls."

"Oh, really," Ginny said, sitting down next to Neville. "Your girl huh?"

"If you want to be, you don't have to," he trailed off unable to finish because Ginny was kissing his lips.

"Of course, I want to," she said breathily.

"Be good to her or we'll kill you," Fred threatened.

"And quit snogging where we can see it," George said.

"OK, we'll just go and find a closet somewhere," Ginny said flippantly.

"No closets either," Ron said.

Harry tried not to laugh, and decided it was time to change the subject. "So how has the summer been so far?"

""It's going well Harry," Neville replied with a smile, "I've been helping Hermione and Ginny reorganize Sirius's library. Even though he donated the house for the Order to use for Headquarters."

"This is Sirius's house?" Harry asked, cocking his head to the side.

"It's one of the houses that belongs to the most noble and ancient house of black," Hermione quoted, "it was his mother's house, really."

"She's the one in the screaming portrait." Harry said nodding his head knowingly, "the one I was warned to be quiet around?"

"Yup that's her," Hermione agreed, "My aunt, I think it is. Uncle Sirius doesn't like to talk about her much."

"I can understand why," Harry said sitting down on the couch, "she sounds terrifying."

"Kreacher," Hermione called.

Harry nearly jumped out of his seat when the house elf popped into the room, "What is Missy needing tonight?" Harry noticed that the house seemed more affectionate than he looked. Perhaps the old house elf recognized her as black? Harry wasn't sure if he should ask.

"Will you get us some tea, please?" Hermione asked.

"Kreacher would be most willing to get Missy some tea," and with a pop he was gone, and within seconds he was back with a tea pot, and a tray full of cups and saucers, cream, sugar, and spoons. Harry watched eagerly as Kreacher set up the spread before popping away and coming back once again with some sugary treats, cookies, and biscuits.

"Oh Kreacher," Hermione praised, "You've out done yourself once again. Would you care to share a cup of tea with us?"

"Missy is too kind," Kreacher said bowing, "Kreacher would be most joyous to share tea with you. But Miss Molly asked Kreacher to see to dinner tonight. So Kreacher cannot."

"I understand Kreacher," Hermione said with a smile, after bowing once more, he was gone again with a pop.

"He's taken quite a liking to you," Fred said, "He's always muttering something foul when we ask him for."

"I don't know," Hermione said with a shrug of her shoulders. "He is very pleasant to me, so I don't understand really."

Ginny and Hermione started pouring the tea, and soon everyone was enjoying a warm cup of tea and a snack or two.

"It was a really good idea," Harry said as he finished his cookie.

They stayed like this for a while before Sirius entered the room. Harry gave him a giant hug before they chatted about a little of this and a little of that. "Come on you lot," Sirius said, "It's time for dinner. Mustn't keep your mother waiting."

"You've been keeping them out of trouble I hope?" Sirius said, looking at Hermione with a grin.

"One doesn't stop them from getting into trouble," Hermione said in an airy tone, "and if they do decide to start trouble, I'm sure they are wise to wait till I leave it."

The group did not fail to notice the twinkle in her eyes as they walked to the kitchen.

Dumbledore came to visit the next day, he was intending to see Harry, and just Harry; but as he was staying in Sirius's home, he demanded to be present. And so, Dumbledore gave way to Harry's demands and they had a much-needed conversation about a few things.

The first order of business was the prophecy, how they assumed that Voldemort would be trying to get it. In return, Harry told him about the strange dreams he had been having since the previous year.

"Is there anything to these dreams?" Harry asked.

"I think you might have some sort of connection to Voldemort," Dumbledore said, with the usual all-knowing twinkling in his eye. He continued, "I don't think that he is aware of it, or he may very well try to lure you into a trap. I think it is imperative that you study Occlumency. It is an art of protecting the mind, you must practice every night. Professor Snape and I will help you when we can. Until then keep a dream log, when you wake in the morning write down everything you can remember, no matter if the dream is different or the same."

"There are few books on it in the library," Sirius said, "I can help you go over it if you like?"

"I'd like that," Harry said, smiling at Sirius.

"What are we going to do about the prophecy?" Sirius asked, concerned, "we shouldn't just leave it there for him to find out should we?"

"I already know the full prophecy," Dumbledore said before reciting the prophecy from memory. "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches ... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies ... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not ... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives ... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies …"

"I don't understand," harry said, confusion written clearly on his face.

"When your mother gave her life to save you, she used a very old spell. Love is the power that the dark lord knows not. When he tried to kill you, he marked you," Dumbledore said lightly, and tapped his own forehead, "He marked you as his equal. You see Harry, you hold a piece of him in you. When his curse backfired, Voldemort's body turned to ash. A piece of his soul latched onto the only other living thing in the room... You."

Everyone sat in silence for a while, they were unsure what to say. Sirius was worried for Harry. "So, one of us must die?"

"Yes, Harry," Dumbledore said, "one of you must die, and until then neither of you will be able to live in peace." after a moment or two of silence, Dumbledore continued, "I think that is enough to take in for today. Over the next week I want you to read up on Occlumency and perhaps learn to meditate. Once you have gotten that down properly, I will start teaching you to block your thoughts and memories. In fact, I think it would be a good idea for your friends to also learn occlumency."

"Thank you, sir," Harry said humbly.

""No thank you're friends," Dumbledore said, "it was them that made me rethink keeping you in the dark. They reminded me about another incident that could have gone differently if I hadn't kept you in the dark."

"Good evening professor," Harry, Hermione and Ron said.

"Good night, Sirius, children," Dumbledore said before stepping out the front door and dissipating away.

"Wonderful, more studying to do," Ron said, trying to lighten the mood.

After Dumbledore left, Harry and Ron declared they were going for a snack in the kitchen. Hermione went off in search of Ginny and Neville. As she walked into the library, she found Molly and Arthur snogging in the corner.

She backed out quietly and as quickly hoping that she had not interrupted. Retreating to the drawing room she found Sirius and Remus talking to the twins and Cedric about pranks they pulled in school, again.

Hermione shook her head and retreated to the room she and Ginny shared. As she passed Ron's room, she was that Ginny Neville, Ron and Harry playing Exploding Snap. She decided to use the time that she had to herself to write back to Viktor.

Dearest Viktor,

I miss you very much, and my thoughts often wonder where you are and what you might be doing. Are you well? Do you think of me often? Are you keeping out of trouble? How is your family?

My dreams are filled with hopes and dreams for the future. I see the four of us living happily together in the country, in a cottage by the sea, we've a garden and many trees.

I often watch you work without your shirts on, all sweaty and beautiful. I often have these type of dreams.

Stay well my love, and we will be together again soon.

All my love

Your Hermione

After penning the letter, she sent it off with an owl. Afterwards, she decided to open a note to Fred, George, and Cedric as well. She smiled goofily as she attracted their letter to the leg of one of the house owls. After sending the letter, she decided to go to the library, but not before stopping by the twin's room. She heard what sounded like tapping on the window, smiling goofily as she continued to the library. She had projects to finish.

Edited 1/26/21

A/N: well, that is it for now. I hope you liked it. Do not get too angry with me if you did not.

P.S. I do not own Harry Potter.

I have finished up to chapter 6 for this part of the story. the editing is taking a bit of time as I've been rewriting as I edit. I will try to get chapter 5 and 6 up this evening. I hope that you like the changes.