And so begins chapter 6! Beware…some R/Hr fluff ahead! But then again, why would you resist? This couple is absolutely flawless.

Current song: "Don't fight It" by The Panics…I think this is sort of a realization song, if you know what I mean. How Harry realizes he has to be Hogwart's hero.

Thanks so much for all your lovely reviews! It seems I'm getting about 3 for every new chapter, which is pretty amazing for me! Like I said, it keeps me going and I am excited for this story! Oh and fair warning, I might change the rating of this fic to T, for future themes. It's a MIGHT. But I hope you guys can settle for that!

Also, some of you are visiting my other stories asking me to update them too…I am absolutely flattered that you like them that much but this is my main focus for now and I am working really hard on this! (:

But fear not, I WILL try and get those other ones done.

One more thing – master999 pointed out that they too find it weird that Hermione would go behind Ginny's back and suggested a flashback of some sort on how Harry, Ron, Hermione & Ginny become friends…I really like this idea. So I think I will do it, but not in this chapter, perhaps the next XD

Enough of my talk, let's just sit, read and enjoy this chapter!

About half an hour had past, and the thugs, it seemed, were more than far away. Harry, Ron and Hermione had successfully escaped and were now down from their horses, supporting them as they walked through a clear part of the forest. Harry's black stallion kept on moving forward, attempting to gallop – Harry figured that the horse was most likely a wild one taken from its environment, wanting to run. Ron supported the white stallion he and Hermione rode together earlier, while Hermione sat side-saddled on its back.

"We can rest over there," said Hermione wearily, pointing at a clear, flat area. On it were also toadstools – although they looked downright ugly, they did look edible; Hermione thought that some of the spells she had learnt back at Lapifors would do the trick and make them a decent dinner. She grabbed Ron for support when jumping off the horse. Ron then went to go tie their reins to trees.

The sky above them was a burnt shade of auburn; slowly it was turning darker and darker. Although in a seemingly clear part of the forest, Harry thought it would be appropriate to set a fire for an overnight camp. Though Harry and Ron knew their wilderness skills from Draconifors, they left the fire to Hermione ("Oh, honestly," she growled.)

"Ignitus Maxima," she said loudly and clearly, her fingers making a dance around the wood Ron had collected earlier. At first a single flame lit, but the flame spread and soon enough, a nice, crisp fire burned in front of them.

Hermione took some of the toadstools she collected earlier and impaled them on a long stick; she next turned them over the fire until they looked well enough to eat. "Dinner," she said, handing Ron one, and then one to Harry, who was lying on his back, gazing at the stars, which covered the now-night sky.

Ron took a bite of his but hardly swallowed; he threw it into the fire. Hermione next took a bite; she simply shrugged at her own creation, but looked slightly hurt at Ron's discomfort – she next turned to Harry, who took a bite of his –

The taste was – well, it was horrible. He had never tasted wild mushroom before and he didn't want to again, but he swallowed it to the best of his ability and said to Hermione, "…Well, it is quite alright."

Hermione next went around, ordering the boys to hold their hands out as she recited the water spell she finally remembered. The nourishment was extremely refreshing.

Hermione smiled and turned to Ron. "Is the fire going to die out before morning?"

"With this weather we are having, it is probably going to die down, but not out." His stomach gave an enormous rumble. "And I am still famished."

"Well I did try," Hermione said coldly as she nonverbally moved more firewood into the fire with magic.

They bickered softly as Harry's eyes begin to feel heavy and the stars were disappearing from his gaze…

"…and don't even get me started on how much time it took me to get them!" Hermione finally finished, her hands now on her hips.

Ron shrugged. "Apologies."

Hermione neatly sat herself down in front of the fire, next to him. "That's quite alright." She turned around to look at Harry, who was snoring quietly, his chest moving up and down. "Oh! He is asleep!"

Ron turned to see – Harry was indeed asleep, on a side that wasn't facing them. Purposely, Ron thought, as he smirked. "Good – he needs most rest. That jinx he did was very powerful, it must have drained his energy."

Hermione nodded. "I was…so scared."

"It was not like I was not," Ron admitted.

Hermione breathed heavily. "What happened to us? Why are we always this way – you and me. What type of…tension is causing this?"

Ron felt the tips of his ears turn red – "I try to avoid it, you know. Disagreeing with you."

"As do I," Hermione said. "But I cannot help but get my point across…"

Ron laughed a bit.

"Ginny's going to be so angry at me," Hermione said quietly.

"Why?" Ron asked curiously.

"She'd want to come along," Hermione said. "But she is 16 – not of age. You, Harry and I – we are. 17 years is considered time to leave Hogwarts and travel to the outside world."

"If Ginny would want to come, she would have to talk to me," Ron said. "I would never allow her to do such a thing."

It was Hermione's turn to laugh. "My hero," she said sarcastically.

They were silent awhile, both occupied in blazing fire. It danced before her eyes, and Hermione turned to see it reflected in Ron's bright blue ones, which soon met her brown one's gaze. She felt something brush her hair away, and turned to see Ron's hand on her shoulder, which seemed to pull her closer and closer until –

"I, erm – best be off to bed," Ron finished, pulling his hand away. Hermione opened her eyes. "We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

"Right – yes," Hermione said, pulling her sleeve back up and then clearing her throat. "We probably do not want to wake Harry, he's had the longest day."

Ron smiled at her. "Right…erm, goodnight, I suppose!" he said, an awkward wave forming in his left hand.

"Good night!" she said, collapsing on one side – the one that would not face Ron. She heard the crackle of the fire once more and thought of those blue eyes meeting the brown ones – of the hand brushing the shoulder – and a smile formed on her lips as her eyes began to feel heavy like Harry's had earlier.

-O-o-O-o-O-o-O-

Harry opened his eyes – he heard the birds chirp and turned to see the fire slowly dying away. The fresh smell of acorn and pinecone filled his nose and the sky was cloudless, blue, birds prominent as they flew in the morning sky. He turned – Hermione was on a side facing him, breathing slowly. He turned again to see Ron, who wasn't there – Harry sat up in surprise.

"Rise and shine," Ron said, walking Harry's way from his left. He wore a smirk.

"Where did you go?" Harry asked, a wave of relief taking over him.

"Walk," Ron shrugged. He walked over to sit next to Harry, his hands up to the burning fire.

Harry looked at Hermione, then to Ron, and hesitated. "Did…did something happen last night?"

"No," Ron said almost immediately, avoiding Harry's eyes. Harry raised his eyebrows. "Nothing happened."

"Whatever you say," He said, although Ron could tell he was wearing a grin on his face. "Should we get a move on today?"

"If you wish to survive on something other than toadstools," Ron said. He turned to look at Hermione. "I will go and get the horses – you awaken Hermione."

"But –" Harry protested.

"Wake her up," Ron snapped, and he disappeared out of view to go and get the horses.

"Fine." Harry was reluctant. Hermione looked so peaceful – the last thing he wanted to do was wake her up. He sighed and crawled over to her. "Hermione…Hermione…"

"Mphm?" was her muffled reply, her eyes barely open.

"It's time. We must move on."

"S-sorry," she yawned, but stood up. "I'm just…so tired…from yesterday. Where's Ron?"

"He went to go and get the horses. We're going to go find some sort of village now, on horseback."

"Alright," she said, rearranging her hair – something Harry did not understand about girls. He had never really taken interest into girl's hair. In the case, he had no idea why they spent so much time caressing it.

"I think," said Ron, reappearing with the black and white horses on either side, "that they are still quite tired about yesterday. We should go easy upon them and walk them instead of immediately running."

"Wonderful," said Hermione, as Ron helped her on her stead, "how are we supposed to find a village in time, then? I don't think we would do well for another night."

"It's ought to be somewhere," Harry said as he jumped on top of his black horse. "It is Britain – there are villages all over."

Ron was next to jump on his stead in front of Hermione. "Let's just search a bit more, alright? If not, then our new priority is to find a way out of these woods – and avoid anymore of those bandits we encountered earlier. You lead, Harry."

Harry nodded but did not speak, and kicked his horse to assure it they were ready to move. Ron's horse imitated Harry's horse's moves and they left the campsite. Hermione used her magic to part trees and logs to prevent tripping. When they had reached another slightly clearer part, Harry turned to Ron. "I think it's time we run."

"As do I," said Hermione, her voice tired. "I've done enough parting the trees; I don't think I can raise my hand anymore."

Harry kicked his steed and it reared up so high he almost fell off had he not grabbed onto the reins so tightly; his heart raced as the horse rode like the wind through the forest. Harry trusted it would lead him to a direction they could settle in or in a direction where they would find any town, village or city of some sort. He turned around to catch Ron and Hermione on their horse, following behind him. He grinned a little. Something about the two of them made him think that they were trying their very best to avoid the fact that they had a mutual attraction to one another.

He thought of Ginny…Ginny. Her long, red hair, her shocking green eyes; her beauty, her independence, and her will to fight. Something, Harry hoped, would not affect her if a battle was the outcome of the search for James's son.

He suddenly halted, or the horse did; "Steady," he said, as the horse stopped – he knew it had a desire for more running. In front of them lay a large, black building that oddly reminded Harry of a rook, one of the chess pieces in Ron's chess games. It was large and crooked and gave Harry the idea that it's residents were not to be disturbed.

"What is that?" Hermione said in disappointment, eyeing the house with a hint of relief.

"Who would want to reside there?" said Ron, refusing to get off his horse just as Harry did. "It looks inhospitable."

"You will never know unless you try," shrugged Hermione, getting off her horse for the first time without Ron's help. "I will go knock and see who is home."

"What – Hermione, I do not think you should do that," Harry said, trying to grab her dress sleeve. "Did you not hear Ron? It does look…"

"What else will we do?" Hermione argued. "Besides, there might be a fellow or two there who could direct us to a town."

"But –" Harry began.

"Just let her," Ron hissed, as he mounted off his steed.

Hermione nodded at Harry, lifted her dress in dignity and walked with an aura of confidence towards the house. Harry had a sinking feeling in his stomach as he and Ron followed slowly behind her. She reached the front door within seconds, and knocked three loud knocks. She turned to Harry and Ron. "Did you see the welcoming mat? It says, 'Beware of the Dirigible Plums.' Who would write such a –"

She was interrupted as the door opened to reveal a tall man with glossy white hair, creating a mixture in a cauldron in his arms – when he saw Hermione, he gave the most insane look Harry had ever had the misfortune to see. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

"Pardon me, Sir, er…Lovegood?" she said, as she eyed his last name etched across the door. "My name is Hermione, and these are my friends, Ronald and –"

"YOU!" said Lovegood, pointing at Hermione. "Stay off of my porch! I do not wish for a young maiden besides my daughter to –"

"Sir, I was just wondering if you could –"

"MY PROPERTY!" Lovegood shrieked, and Harry confirmed to himself that this man was insane. He scooped up a handful of the gooey green substance he was stirring in his cauldron and threw it at Hermione, who fell off back first off the porch and was now slowly backing away.

"Hermione!" Ron was first before Harry, and ran up to her to support her. "Are you mad?"

Lovegood continued to throw the gooey green substance at Ron and Hermione now, and Ron said, "Protego!" – a silver barrier protected he and Hermione from anymore of Lovegood's harmful potion and they walked away from the house, Hermione whimpering into Ron's chest. "Let's go," Ron said. "This fellow is obviously…unwell."

Harry agreed and the pair began to walk – or run, rather – as Lovegood continued to chase after them. "WAIT! WAIT!" he was now crying, but Harry did not care – he continued to run as fast as he could to his horse, away from the deranged man. "WAIT – you are Harry Potter!" shouted Lovegood.

"Stop," Harry said, and he, Ron and Hermione turned around simultaneously. Lovegood was now slowing down, but the cauldron was still in his arms.

"You are Harry Potter!" he said, now panting as he tried to bring himself as close to the barrier, as close to Harry. "I know whom you are! I know King Tom Riddle is looking for you!"

"Break down the barrier," Harry ordered Ron, walking towards Lovegood.

"But –" Ron began.

"Break down the barrier!" he ordered, loudly this time, and the silver shield dissolved into water. He walked towards Lovegood, careful as to not go too near him. "How do you know who I am?"

"My dear boy," Lovegood said. "Everybody knows who you are, everybody of Hogsmeade! Do not distrust me, however! I know not of Riddle's schemes, I only wish to help you!"

"What do you mean everybody of Hogsmeade?" Harry demanded. "What's that?"

"Our vilage, our beloved village," Lovegood said. "I live on its outskirts, but I know of it – it is still Riddle territory, but the wonderful seer, Lady Sybil made concocted a prediction that our one true hero, Sir Harry Potter of Hogwarts ,would end this tyranny and save us!"

Harry nodded. "Do you know anything of The Godric Touch?"

"Yes, of course I know," Lovegood was saying. "It's incantation is hidden in the old Hog library in Hogsmeade, but not a single soul is known to have gone there ever since Riddle banned its use. I, once, tried to get the book, but I was caught; in retaliation, Riddle took my daughter, my beloved daughter Luna."

Hermione gaped and released herself from Ron. "You are Luna's father?" she said, walking closer to him. "I am…so sorry."

Ron was looking at Harry, and Harry at Lovegood and Hermione.

"She was taken not too long ago," Lovegood said, his eyes watery. "The only way I can ensure her safety is to give myself up. She is held captive at the dungeons of Hogwarts Castle."

"She disappeared weeks ago at Lapifors," Hermione said. "But we were not told of the reasons…" she turned to Harry and Ron. "Harry, I trust Sir Lovegood. I think we ought to stay awhile and learn all we can from him. His sources are from many things Riddle has made perished in the past."

Harry looked at Ron, reluctant. This was the same man, who, moments ago, had chased them off his porch using a potion Harry was afraid to know was. But he did know about the Gordic Touch, and where to find the incantation, and maybe, perhaps, how to perform it. "Alright," he said, and Hermione mouthed "Thank You" before following Lovegood into his rook-like home. Although something still seemed very wrong about Lovegood. He seemed deceptive. But then again, so did everybody nowadays.

-O-o-O-o-O-o-O-

"It was the boy," he said to Lady Lestrange. "One of them. That very night when we interrogated Sirius, there were two boys – a ginger-haired one, and a dark-haired one, and a girl, too – but she is not important for now, at least."

"Two boys…" said Bellatrix, stroking the ends of her dark hair. "One of them ought to be the son of James. We should carry out a search effort, my lord – and require assistance of Lucius."

"Lucius!" scoffed Tom Riddle, and he stopped his pacing. "Of all the people in the kingdom…what good is Lucius to us?"

"At the time, my Lord, I suggest any assistance will be of use," said Bellatrix reassuringly.

"Alright, then," said Riddle. "Now, carry out a search effort to find those two boys – until I can gain their names and their locations, James's little son here remains…concealed."

"Yes, my Lord."

-O-o-O-o-O-o-O-

Molly Weasley watched outside her kitchen window, rain pouring heavily, as she scrubbed the silverware after every dinner as always. Only this time, there was an empty seat at the dinner table, and an empty bed upstairs.

"Mother," Ginny said, appearing in her nightgown behind her mother, and putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"I am most certain he is gone," Molly said, tears streaming down her eyes – a replica of Ron's. "I spoke with Hermione's mother…they were with Harry when Sirius perished. I am most certain they perished as well."

"Mother…" said Ginny. "Ron is out there. And so are Harry and Hermione. I most certainly feel it."

Molly turned to her and said, "It is quite late, Ginny. You best be off to bed."

Ginny was about to protest: "But mother –"

"Bed. Now."

Ginny turned around, her nightgown defining her petite frame. She climbed up the wooden steps to her bedroom and laid in her bed. If nobody was to believe in her abilities to find the lost trio, then she would require help of her own.

And there goes chapter 5! Which by the way was a joy to write, I mean it switches from what's going on with Harry, to Tom, and then to Ginny. Which is an interesting way of writing. At this point, Harry, Ron and Hermione have been missing for about 2 or 3 days, but a search effort for them can't be done or else they'll blow Harry's cover as James's son – and we wouldn't want that.

Oh and if you guys didn't notice – Riddle does not know if its Ron or Harry who he wants to kill! A bit of foreshadowing wouldn't hurt anyone! XD

Thanks for the reviews again guys. This story is really a joy writing!