Depth of Knowledge

A/N: Hello, awesome people! Hope you all enjoy the next, and maybe final chapter of the story! Learn more by reading below the chapter.

Chapter 9: Couldn't She See?

Harry woke up, not surprised that Hermione wasn't anywhere in the room. He had guessed it had been a dream. Ron was already up and out of the room, Harry guessing he was down shoving food into his mouth. He got up, changed, and opened the door to find Ron standing there, a tray of fruits and hot cakes balancing precariously in his hand.

"Oi! Mate, you almost made me drop it! Tom allowed me to carry it up here because of some important guests down in the pub." Ron informed him, stepping into the room.

"The Ministry?" Ron nodded, taking a bite out of a strawberry.

"Minister is here, along with some of his other lackeys."

"Hmm, wonder what they're up to." Harry, about to head out the door for a second time, was stopped by a blotchy faced girl. He backed up.

"Ron." Harry said shakily, his mate coming over to see what was going on. Ron dropped the tray, fruits and hot cakes spraying across the walls of the room. Tom wasn't going to be a happy man when he saw this.

Dumbledore, along with other officials from the ministry, stood behind a red-faced Hermione, a determined look on her face.

"Boys, I'm afraid you'll have to come with us." Dumbledore stated, an annoyed tone in his voice.

()

The final straw? Harry wasn't certain, but It was extremely close. Not only had Hermione ruined their trip, she had gotten them in trouble with many wizards. The boys sat sulking and fuming in Dumbledore's office, mixed thoughts roaming their minds.

"Is it bad that I'm thinking of ways to injure that girl?" Ron asked bitterly. Harry snorted.

"Don't worry, mate. Your thoughts aren't even half as dark as mine." Harry knew she had done it out of safety for the boys, but sometimes you had to let people do what they wanted. You couldn't barge into other people's lives every time you didn't think what that person was doing was unsafe. Dumbledore entered and sat at his desk, quills zipping to their posts.

"Mr. Potter and Weasley, I'd like a full explanation as to why you planned on staying away from Hogwarts grounds during school time." Dumbledore requested urgently. Ron, about to say something, was interrupted by a ticked off Harry.

"Well, Headmaster. I was recently informed of a peculiar event that would impact my life greatly in the next year or so. If I recall correctly, items known as "horcruxes" exist. Am I correct, Headmaster?" Harry asked. Dumbledore turned a paler shade of white.

"Harry, boy, where did you learn about…"

"Sources I would rather not name. And, if I recall correctly again, a "horcrux" seems to have been created during my parents' death?" Harry had kept a more subtle tone during the conversation, but a mixture of anger and disbelief was quickly overtaking his mind.

"Harry, you must be mistaken! Horcruxes were never created during Lily and James's terrible death!" Dumbledore cried out, standing up and looking panicked.

"You're a liar, Dumbledore. A bloody bad one at that." Harry said quietly, turning around and walking towards the door.

"Harry! You will not leave my office until given permission!" Dumbledore shouted. Harry continued walking past the door, smirking the entire way.

"Your permission my ass."

()

Harry was in the mood for celebration. He absolutely loved walking out on the manipulating headmaster. Turning the corner, however, dimmed his once happy expression ten-fold. Hermione Granger, reading a book, sat curled against a wall. Tears seemed to have stained the already musty pages. She hadn't noticed him.

Do it. Do it. Do it. Harry was horrified at what his mind was telling him to do. Although he knew this wasn't himself, Harry couldn't stop himself. The craving, the urge was so strong. It coursed through his lifeless veins, his clenching fingers, his shaking leg. With a manic smile, Harry brusquely ran towards the girl. Hermione looked up, a fearful expression forming on her face.

"Harry, hi…"

Harry picked her up from the collar of her sweatshirt. Hermione started to scream, but was cut off by Harry's forceful hand. He slammed her against the wall, holding her by the throat.

"You ruined it, Hermione. Ruined what fun I could have had," Harry whispered furiously. "What other time will I have to spend time away from my life? Summer won't be an option because of the damn Dursleys. School year won't be an option." Harry's mouth was a tenth of a millimeter away from her lips.

"Harry, please." Hermione mouthed, tears streaming from her bloodshot eyes. Harry felt anger, frustration, and most of all, confusion. Something was stirring inside of him, a feeling. The depths had been opened in his ashened heart, a feeling of relief and calm spreading through his mind. The walls were crumbling, the confusion dispersing. His eyes became sharp, the haze dimming within.

Harry slowly let go of Hermione's neck, sending her toppling to the ground. She looked up in terror, scrambling away on all fours.

"I love you, Hermione Granger." Harry said simply, silently. Hermione stopped scrambling away and looked at him with fright.

"Harry, this isn't you! Please, try and hold it down!" Hermione cried, her blotchy face filled with salty water.

"But, Hermione. It's gone! I feel free, so clear!" Harry laughed, approaching her slowly. Hermione backed up even further.

"Harry…"

"I love you, Hermione! I love you, I love you, I love you!" Harry yelled happily, a grin the size of the Sun breaking on his worn face.

"Harry, I...I…" Hermione had stopped crawling backwards.

"I love you too." They both chorused, and Harry picked her up. He smiled and looked into her eyes, bloodshot and filled with uncried tears.

"You have captured my heart, Hermione Jean Granger." Harry remarked nervously. "I just hope you like me the same way."

"I'm sorry, Hermione. For everything. For hurting you, scaring you, not being there for you." Harry said quietly. Hermione broke into a smile.

"My forgiveness may not come fast, Harry." She replied hoarsely. Harry nodded, tears welling in his green eyes.

"Well, then. I guess this is goodbye."

Harry dropped to the floor, laying lifeless. A fang was embedded in the center of his back, blood soaked through his clothes.

Hermione watched, horrified. Ron stood behind where Harry stood, breathing heavily.

They stared at one another, Ron and Hermione. Ron looked on the verge of tears, his hands shaking violently.

"Dumbledore...made me…" Ron gasped out in guilt, a current of emotions exploding from his face. He screamed, wept, shouted. Hermione started to break down, staring at the crippled body of Harry Potter. Dead. Inanimate. Lifeless.

"Ah, the deed is done I presume, Mr. Weasley?" A voice said from behind the two. Dumbledore stood confidently, overlooking the scene. Hermione was filled with mourning, loss, and most of all, anger. Pent up since she first knew about Harry's conditions as a child.

"YOU!" She screamed, charging at the headmaster. Dumbledore, shocked, attempted to take out his wand. Hermione rammed into him, sending the old man flying into a nearby wall. Footsteps could be heard behind them as Hermione cursed the headmaster.

One. Two. Three times.

The old man lay close to death on the floor in front of Hermione. Ron was shouting for her to stop. Hermione, blinded with tears and rage, raised her wand for the finishing blow.

But it was stopped.

"Hermione, put the wand away."

Hermione, shocked, whirled around to see the figure clutching her wand bearing arm. Harry smiled at her softly.

"Put the wand away, Hermione. Albus doesn't need anymore infliction put upon him." He said gently, urging her to give him the wand. She complied, stunned. Harry nodded encouragingly.

"Harry, I thought you were…"

"Dead?" Harry interrupted, amused. "Yes...death. What is death, Hermione? A period of time? A place of no return? I have often wondered whether or not death was the final chapter." Harry looked thoughtfully at his two friends.

"Hermione, open your eyes." Harry whispered softly before walking away from his two best friends. Hermione, on the verge of tears, ran after him.

"Harry! Harry! Where are you going?"

Harry didn't turn back, turning the corner and leaving Hermione's sight, forever.

Silence.

Dark.

Heart beating.

Time passing.

Life moving.

Dimensions crossing.

And Harry woke up with a start, looking around. He was in the Burrow in Ron's bedroom. He could hear his mate's breathing from his bed. Getting up slowly, Harry tiptoed around his bed and out the door. The creaking of windows signaled a storm was brewing outside. The floorboards creaked as he walked, past the brothers' room and up to the front of Ginny's.

Taking a deep breath, Harry opened the door slowly. Ginny and Hermione lay on their separate beds under blankets. Sighing in relief, Harry closed the door behind him and sat on a chair that overlooked the two beds from the other side of the room. He covered his face with his hands, allowing no tears to slip. All was well.

Yet, he felt empty. Lost. Confused. What was this vision saying? Could horcruxes actually exist? He jerked his head up when he heard movement from in front of him. Ginny, reaching for a glass of water, spilled it when she saw him. She gasped, but Harry made the motion to be quiet. She slowly crawled out of bed and neared him.

"Harry, what are you doing?" She whispered feverishly. "It's creepy that you're just watching." Harry chuckled quietly.

"Just had a strange dream, that was all. Thought I needed to check up on you guys, you know, just in case." He replied nervously. Ginny smiled slightly.

"Well, just don't come near Hermione. She gets really freaked out when someone comes close to her during the night." With that, Ginny got back into her covers, winked at Harry, and turned away from him. The room was quiet for some time, Harry's thoughts pinging around the confines of the room.

With a start, Harry smiled. That was it, Voldemort's secret. Horcruxes, seven to be precise. One was in him, lodged in a small space never to escape. He had to be killed, like the vision.

But this, this was permanent. What he felt for Hermione was gone, replaced with an unknown feeling of affection for the witch.

Did he love her? Was it as strong as the dream interpreted?

No.

With a nagging feeling inside of him, Harry felt different. No longer was he driven, crazed, fueled by his best friend. There was, rather, a subtle feeling. So small and so indistinct that he could barely notice it.

But it was there. This small feeling. And as Rudolf Steiner said,

"May my soul bloom in love for all existence."

This small bud could bloom, changing into something bigger. A fully grown flower, healthy and strong.

Or a weak, diseased sunflower, unable to hold itself up. Harry would make sure that if any relationship happened between the two, there flower would have the sturdiest root around.

"May my soul bloom in love for all existence." Harry muttered, playing with his hand. Hermione, getting up with a start, looked over to see Harry looking at his feet, sitting on a chair.

"Harry, what are you doing?" She whispered furiously. Harry, sighing, got up and went to the side of her bed.

"Sorry, just had a bad dream, that was all." Hermione looked at him worriedly.

"Anything about Voldemort at all, Harry? You know you should be blocking these visions." Harry shook his head, watching his best friend closely. His scrutinization made her uncomfortable.

"You know, Hermione, you're beautiful. Don't think otherwise."

"You have an air of confidence, so empowering to many." Harry continued, Hermione blushing furiously.

"Harry...I…"

"You're mysterious, determined, weird in a funny way. You're more complicated than Ginny, who I can read like an open book. Your smart in all ways possible, and I'm scared for you." Harry finished, looking confidently at his best friend. Hermione, stunned, blushed an even darker shade of color.

"Harry...thanks." She managed, uncertain.

"Just, remember something for me, alright?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded.

"When I am in need to die, I want you to kill me. Ron was a bit careless when he did it." He smiled, coming into the bed and hugging her. She was sputtering in shock.

"Harry, what is this? Why would you need to die? I don't unders…"

Harry got up and looked at her once more. "You're a smart witch, Hermione. You'll figure it out." He turned to leave the room, but stopped. Turning back once more, he looked to be forming words.

"And, Hermione?" He asked nervously, uncertainly, scared.

"Yes?" She replied. Harry started frustratingly pacing the room, cursing under his breath. Finally, he stopped and looked at her.

"Tomorrow is free, right? Maybe we can, you know, eat lunch somewhere together. Just you and me." Hermione must have made the wrong facial expression, because Harry looked ready to pee in his pants.

"Or, we could go as friends!" Harry quickly added. "With Ron, if you want." Hermione stared at Harry for a couple of minutes before smiling.

"Of course, Harry. Let's call it a date. Although, I do need to finish that summer assignment for Flitwick…"

"Hermione!"

"Okay, sorry. We can go, Harry. Thanks for asking." Harry looked like a three year old who had gotten the newest rattle.

"So, mind if I tag along?" Ginny's voice called from her side of the room. Harry grinned at her. She smiled back. Hermione, surprised, looked over at her best friend.

"Don't worry, Hermione. It's not like he's mine." She said jokingly. Hermione blew out in relief and looked at Harry once more.

"Harry, I don't know if this is a good idea or not. I don't want things to go weird if this doesn't pan out…"

"Don't worry! We'll always be close friends, no matter what." Harry responded firmly. He had learned his lesson. With a series of goodbyes, Harry walked out of the room. The floorboards creaked once again as he crossed the threshold.

Harry had learned many things from the dream, so many. He couldn't let his emotions take over who he really was.

And for that one minute, Harry felt welcome. He felt accepted, together, in the company of those around.

"We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion that we're not alone," -Orson Welles

He had ventured deep into the unknown. Through the complex structure of his interconnected feelings, emotions. Discovering new buds always welcome to blossom.

All because of his delving into the depths of his knowledge: Dreams.

Harry felt confident that a relationship could sprout between the two, although he wasn't sure how long it would last. He could vaguely remember the two, running into the abyss that plagued his mind from the start.

Holding hands. Laughing. Running into the unknown fifth dimension.

Into his deepest depths of knowledge.

The End

Author's Note: {IMPORTANT}- Hello everyone! I have come to a dilemma where I can't decide if I should add the date or not. I mostly likely won't, but it's totally up to you guys if I get lots of answers. I'm quite happy with how the story ended. MANY OF YOU guessed the entire thing was a dream. When I changed chapter 4, I had indeed tried to lead the story into the direction it went here. Dreams: The fifth dimension. Your deepest depths of knowledge. Yet, I had worded it quite wrong on my first attempt. If you all would like another chapter with the date or any more, just ask. I'd like to thank everyone who read the story, reviewing and giving constructive criticism! Once again, leave a review saying if you think the story is better off the way it is or if I should continue with their growing relationship. This author's note is long, but I feel it is needed. NOW, on to my wonderful reviewers!

VegasMan59: Yeah, I kind of think it was weird that Rowling paired Hermione up with Ron. Must have been blackmailed to do it or something ;). Anyway, thanks for the wonderful reviews! I'm glad you've followed the story actively.

Guest: "Okay, why the hell you demeaning Hermione and making her pathetic so it would satisfy Harry's ego when she crawls back to him. Real sexist you are."

My Reaction- Yay, I'm a sexist -_- These reviews make my day.

Carick of Hunter Moon: Wow, you've really helped my story A LOT. You seem to know what you're talking about, giving great ideas and criticism. Continue making other writers' stories better as well! Thank you, sir, for reviewing.

SO, thanks again to ALL MY NEW FOLLOWERS/FAVORITERS! I appreciate you all taking the time to read this load of garbage. Now, off to bed. It's been a long day ;).

P.S. This chapter was written over the course of an entire week. Editing and supervising has been conducted.

"If you can dream it, you can do it."

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