A/N: All right...I've got something to say! My computer has gone crazy! It allows me to go online at certain times and other times, I fail to get through! The problem sometimes lasts for 2 weeks! Which means...don't murder me if I don't update sooner! Thanks! Gosh! I didn't realise it's been THAT long since I've updated! Thanks to all those who's reviewed! If you haven't please do so! Thanks!

Well some people are a bit confused of this story especially the Claire and Chris part, and some probably forgot characters (Janelle!). So this is to refresh you memory: Chris and Claire ARE sisters for those who haven't figured it out yet. They were separated before Claire showed any signs of magic around the age of seven. Death Eater killed their parents and Chris had to go back to school, meaning she's older. Now, when Chris came back for summer holidays, she couldn't find Claire anywhere. Chris grew up all these years counting on Colin's Family. She ended up married with Colin and believed that Claire is already dead. Claire was traumatised, losing her family and almost being raped, she probably forgot she had a sister or didn't have a clue about her sister. She was embarassed that she was almost raped and didn't tell Harry about her past. So, now about Draco and Hermione. Why can't they be together? Because Hermione was lied by Draco before. She was hurt, she was afraid and unsecure to let Draco in her life again. When she met him in Italy, she felt what it was like to be in love once more. She felt the sweetness in love that she's missed so much. Draco battles with his family, he mainly is not concerned wheter or not Hermione is suitable (he think she's perfect) but he's merely afraid that his family members to treat Hermione badly. So if I say anything more, I'd might as well tell you the whole story! That's all, keep reading and keep suporting me! Thanks! On with the story!

Still Plenty to Learn

25 February 2005

Harry Potter

Lately, Claire hasn't been sleeping well. She confided in me that those dreams showed her that Lord Voldemort was planning a major attack. She told me that she was in London, and the whole city was burning. She saw the whole of London destroyed, and it was she who caused all the destruction. Claire's situation worsened day by day until she refused to sleep. It wasn't easy watching her like that. So I decided to tell the Ministry about Claire's vision. I was Head of the Auror Office so all I needed was permission from the Minister of Magic, Percy Weasley. He wasn't fancied by many and it remained a wonder why he was selected as Minister. I sighed and kissed Claire's forehead. She was watching me floo to the Ministry with a thin smile. Her eyes were red due to crying and tiredness.

"Now you go get some rest, alright?" I scolded Claire playfully though there was a hint of seriousness in my voice.

Claire smiled and said, "I know how to take care of myself, Honey."

"Oh yeah, you know how to take care of yourself very well," I said sarcastically.

"Get going or you'll be late," Claire said as she kissed me in the cheek.

I took a pinch of Floo powder and throw it in the fireplace. Instantly, the fire turned a garish shade of green. I stepped into the fire and cried, "The Ministry of Magic!"

"Harry, thank God you're here. Havoc in the Auror Office today," a fellow Auror, Brian McKay, spoke urgently to me.

"What happened?" I asked in a low tone to avoid eavesdropping ears around us.

"10 Death Eaters escaped from Azkaban today, 12 Aurors resigned at the same time. We suspect they too were Death Eaters. Our plans have to be canceled as the Death Eaters will inform their master, whoever is the substitute for Voldemort, about our plans. We're short of Aurors and it is too late now to recruit new members," McKay said in a harsh tone.

I frowned and ordered, "Ask every Head of a Ministry Department to gather in the meeting room in say, 10 minutes. In the meantime, get the Daily Prophet to place an advertisement for new Aurors before they send out the second batch of copies. Call Witch Weekly's editor to see me in my office as soon as possible. Now hurry!"

I sighed heavily and announced loudly so that everyone in the room could hear me, "Anyone found guilty of supporting the Dark Side, passing information to the Dark Side, or doing anything at the Dark Side's bidding will be sentenced to the Dementor's Kiss without a trial, no exceptions! Do I make myself clear?" I asked and without waiting for and answer I said, "Good."

I flatten the hems of my cloak and made my way to the meeting room. Every Head of Department was already assembled there. Everyone had a curious look in their face; whispering to their partners about the newest madness in the Ministry. As soon as I entered the room, I could hear hushes and silence fell instantly.

"We are in trouble," I said lamely. "History is repeating itself. Now, I know many of you believed that Lord Voldemort had died. But I say different. We thought he died 21 years ago, but still, after 13 years, he rose again. We thought he died 5 years ago. What makes us think he won't rise again this time?"

Several people shifted in their seats. I recognized them as those who were loyal workers of Percy Weasley. They were uncomfortable that I was planning big things right under Percy's already overlarge nose. I ignored them.

"I know many of you think I'm mad; if you do so, please, save us both a little burden and leave," I said. At this point, several people whispered with their partner but none of them budged an inch. Fair enough, I thought.

I sat down and McKay, sitting next to me, whispered, "They don't have to be Death Eaters to be spies."

I nodded to him, signaling that I understood.

"I need everyone to cooperate. I will not take this matter casually; people can die." At this point, Susan Bones, the last remaining member of the Bones', gave a polite cough. "Many lives of the people are at stake, even survivors will mourn over their dead families." I thought of Susan; she didn't do anything wrong, but she suffered. "Many of you don't know, because you're seated comfortably under the protections of the Ministry. But there are people who couldn't afford to protect themselves, don't even mention their family. And those were the people who suffered the most. We ask ourselves, for what reasons did they die? For the amusement of the Dark Side? Or just for the sake of killing?"

"I will discuss this further with the Minister and further instructions will be given. Dismissed," I said curtly. I could hear people grumbling words like "As if we hadn't had anything else to do" and "He could fight himself if he wants, classic hero". I sighed at the lack of motivation in so many top Ministry people. Everyone left the room leaving only me and Susan. I was about to leave when Susan grabbed my hand.

"Harry, how did you know he was going to rise?" Susan asked fearfully.

I don't remember telling her Voldemort was rising again. I got a fishy feeling that Susan knew about those visions.

"I could feel him getting stronger," I lied.

I quickly turned my back to escape from any further questions but Susan spoke once more, "Claire saw it, didn't she?"

I faced Susan, she knew something. "Susan, do you know something?"

"I know Claire saw those visions. My aunt saw them too, just as your mother did," she said, still looking fearful.

"What d'you mean, my mother?" I asked impatiently.

"Every one sees them, and then they die. My aunt told me about the vision she had. And when she died, exactly one month later, I knew I had to get to the bottom of this. I soon realized that your mother had a vision too. And now Claire sees it, she's in danger," Susan said.

"Go on," I urged.

"Voldemort went after them. You see, certain people had this power. Claire saw something too when she was younger. That's why her family was murdered. You didn't know about her family, did you?" Susan asked knowingly.

I frowned. I never knew or even cared to ask Claire about her past. How could I marry someone I didn't even know?

"They see the future; Voldemort was the origin of the vision. When he plans something, he likes to go to the future and see what will happen. But Voldemort didn't know someone else was watching. And when he finds out, he murders them. Claire is in danger and you have less than a month to save her."

"Is there anything that can save Claire's life?"

"Claire saw the vision, Claire must die!" Susan exclaimed. "Unless, of course, Voldemort dies first. Harry, you've got to save Claire!"

Susan gasped as though something had just entered her. Less than 5 seconds later she returned to normal.

"No, he wants to posses her this time," Susan warned.

"And make her do all the dirty work," I finished.

Now I understood Claire's vision. I've got to warn her, I've got to protect her!

"Susan, thank you. I'm going home now, just got to inform McKay," I said and apparated to McKay's office.

"McKay, I've got to rush home," I announced loudly.

"What! In the middle of all this havoc?" he shouted.

"It's urgent, McKay," I told him impatiently.

I saw a frown forming on his forehead and realized that he was stressed out. I would've helped him but Claire's life is more important. I met Susan outside my office and we both flooed to my house. I saw Claire resting in the couch. I knew she wasn't asleep; she was just resting her eyes. But Sasha entered the room and told me to keep quiet because Claire had fallen asleep. She said that she didn't want to disturb Claire as she was having a well needed rest. I agreed but since Susan was there, I decided to wake Claire up. As soon as I made my way to her, Claire woke up with a start. She paled instantly and I could tell she had had another bad dream. Claire was hysterical and I calmed her down. I asked Sasha to bring some hot towels while Susan sat beside Claire.

"Shh…what's it about this time?" I asked patiently.

"Th-There was b-blood everywhere, e-every house is-is on f-fire, the D-Dark Mark is in the sky," Claire choked out as she tried desperately to calm herself down.

I waited patiently for her to tell me about her dreams.

"It was horrible; children were crying, dead people everywhere! And there was someone watching all this happen, causing all this to happen," Claire said, eyes wide open with fear, "it was me!" she whispered.

I tried to say something but nothing came out. I didn't know what to do or what to say. I just looked at Susan and knew her predictions were true.

Colin Street sat down heavily for dinner that night. His wife could see clearly that something was happening. She decided that he would tell her when he was ready. She continued to serve Colin with several dishes. It wasn't a very fancy dinner. Colin always liked to live moderately. Dinner passed by in silence. As Chris was washing the dishes, she was far away in her own thoughts. She had heard the rumors of course. If it was true that the Ministry is trying to sort out the good and the bad, then surely Colin would be in trouble. It wasn't as if Colin was still involved in Death Eater activities but he had a history in it. Most of the people thought that once you're stained, the stain sticks with you forever. Unknown to her, Colin was far into his own thoughts too. He thought of what would happen if he was arrested. Would Chris stand by him like she always had? Of course she would, but this time, it involves Death Eater activities and Colin knew better than to ever speak that word in front of her. He knew Chris's family was murdered by Death Eaters and he still questioned until this very day why she had married him, but Colin decided he was far too tired to think of it. Yes, she mentioned she had a sister who wasn't murdered. But that was long ago, would she still be alive now? Probably Chris wouldn't mind so much if not every single one of her family members was taken, but how to find this unknown sister? If Chris refuses to stand by me, it would surely raise suspicion, but how is he going to make Chris stand by him? Myriad questions played through his mind. When Colin and Chris went to bed that night, they were filled with questions stirring in their heads.

It was late at night when Chris woke up. She couldn't sleep that night. No matter how she tossed and turned in her bed she still couldn't sleep. She tried clearing her mind of everything but still, she couldn't quiet her mind. Thinking it was no use to stay in bed, she decided to read a book. She made her way to her study. She flicked the light and found an empty glass. Probably Colin was here earlier? She thought to herself. Upon seeing the empty glass, she realized she hadn't had a drop of water since dinner and she was feeling rather thirsty now. She made her way to her kitchen, stopping at the sliding window, which was open. She looked at what could be the cause of this situation, but she needn't think long as she saw Colin sitting at her favourite swing outside at the garden. Chris smiled to herself and she was positive that Colin was frustrated over something. She walked towards him; her thirstiness now forgotten.

"Can't sleep, Honey?" Chris said lovingly.

"No, I tried every single way. I even tried reading a book," Colin joked.

Chris laughed. She remembered that she would force Colin to read a book and watch him squirm. Colin hated reading. He always reckons that reading is for the nerds. That's why he didn't want a desk job at the Ministry, but still, he was forced to do so. Chris laughs at how he would curse the reports, written in English, so deep that Colin could barely understand a word.

"Sing a song for me, dear," Colin requested.

"You really want me to sing? I fear it might rain," I joked.

Now I remember how I used to sing to Colin when he's distraught.

"It won't rain, it a cloudless night tonight," Colin commented.

"Okay, here goes…I've dreamed of this a thousands times before, in my dreams I couldn't love you more, I would give my heart, until the end of time, you're all I need, my love, my valentine…," Chris sang.

Colin wanted to smile, but he couldn't. It seemed this song was adding more worries to his head instead of the opposite. He was sure Chris would not love him but hate him if he mentioned anything about his Death Eater problems to her. He wasn't involved in those activities anymore, but if the Ministry arrests him, will she trust him or the Ministry more. He wasn't sure. She doesn't trust the Ministry but that doesn't mean she trusts him, right? She'd never truly loved him anyway. Colin kissed his wife in the forehead and bid her goodnight. He then went to bed and fell into an uneasy sleep. Chris could see the song didn't help. She decided to bring it up during breakfast tomorrow. She went to bed and fell into an uneasy sleep as well.

Chris woke up at five in the morning. A bit earlier than her usual, but Chris didn't complain. She went straight to the bathroom and brushed her teeth. After a quick shower, Chris made her way to the kitchen to prepare some breakfast. Although Chris was a pure-blood, she loved doing things the Muggle way. She had dated several Muggle-born guys back during her schooldays and spent most of her summers at their houses. She watched a lot of television, as they call it, and loved the way Muggles live. She fried some eggs and prepared some porridge. Chris looked in disgust at the eggs and placed them far away from her seat. Chris hated eggs; she used to like them, but she didn't know why she hated them now. Then, she went to prepare some sandwiches. She was halfway through making the sandwiches when Colin entered the kitchen and rested his chin on Chris' shoulder. His hands wrapped around her waist and she gave a chuckle.

"Feeling happy this morning?" Chris asked, licking the ketchup from her finger seductively.

She turned around and gave Colin a passionate kiss. Colin groaned and tightened his grip on her waist. Chris placed her arms around his neck and drew him closer. Finally, after making out on the kitchen table, they proceed to breakfast. Chris silently wondered why she'd never fallen in love with Colin.

"I have something to tell you…" Colin started.

Chris said nothing but she stared at her husband as if waiting for an answer.

"The Ministry knows about the Dark Lord getting stronger," Chris dropped her fork with a clang! "And I happen to be one of the people under high supervision."

"So?" Chris asked questioningly.

"I've been chosen to fight for the Ministry. Problem is, accepting the offer is like committing suicide. The Ministry has no plans, so if we were to go, we would definitely die," Colin explained.

"And if you refuse?"

"It would mean I'm with the Dark Side. And Potter has stated clearly, anyone doing the bidding of the Dark Side would be sentenced to the Kiss," Colin said, taking a scoop of porridge.

Chris didn't answer immediately. Instead, she rubbed her temples and sighed heavily, "So, what's your point telling me this?"

"Well, I am aware that I'm married and I have responsibilities. If you disagree with me going, then I wouldn't go; just say the word," Colin stated.

"I need to think, but let's not think of it now, you'll ruin your breakfast," Chris said, smiling slightly.

Colin was taken aback with his wife's attitude. He guessed that she would be screaming at him, but no. Instead, she took it calmly. Colin never thought it would be that easy. He dropped the matter and finished his breakfast. He took a quick shower and dressed quickly. He wanted to brief Granger about her duties; he had contacted her saying that she had been accepted to work at the Department of International Muggle Connections. Colin wondered if Draco knew about Granger working under him. He thought that Draco would pounce on him and demand that Granger work with him. Thinking of it reminds him about Granger and Draco's love life. He wondered if the issue has been solved or not. He reminded himself mentally to ask about it the next time he sees Draco. Then, kissing Chris on the forehead, he left for the Ministry of Magic.

"Miss Granger, you're early," Colin said as he entered his office.

Granger was startled and she stood up immediately. She smiled at my comment earlier and said, "I got a lift."

"So are you smiling because you got a lift or is it because I'm praising you?" Colin playfully asked.

Granger chuckled, "Is 'both' an option?"

"'Both' is definitely an option," Colin reassured.

"Where do I start?" Granger asked anxiously.

"Right here," Colin said as he picked up several files for her. "You'll be managing all these cases. You're to look through all the details and see if there's anything you can do. Miss Granger," Colin said, tilting his head forward, "you know that the Department of International Muggle Connections isn't just about socializing with Muggles, don't you?"

"Yeah, I know. It also includes abusive actions towards Muggles, the misuse of magic with Muggles and stuff like that," Hermione said, frowning slightly.

"This means there'll be a lot of familiar names in those files," Colin said, smiling slightly.

Hermione smiled back and pick the files up to scan through. She went to her office next door and looked through the first file.

Name: Malfoy, Draco
Date: 21/4/'01
Offence: Pointing and using magic against Muggle
Sentence: Fine of 5000 sickles

Name: Malfoy, Lucius
Date: 25/4/'00
Offence: Attempted use of Unforgivable Curses on Draco Malfoy
Sentence: Case dropped, son sent to St. Mungo's for a week

Hermione gasped at this point. She scanned through further and found more offences by Lucius Malfoy, all in the year of 2000, and then it was over. No more, Lucius Malfoy had a case file totaling 3 pages all to himself. Hermione wondered why the abuse stopped after the year 2000.

"All okay, Hermione?" Colin said, his head poking through her door as he stepped inside.

Hermione was surprised he called her by her first name. "I'm fine."

"Told you there'd be a lot of familiar names," Colin said, grinning.

"Hey, you're Draco's best friend. You should know why the – the…" Hermione trailed off, not knowing what other words to replace 'abuse'.

"The abuse?" Colin answered it for her, "it didn't stop."

"Then why wasn't it recorded?" Hermione asked.

"Because by the year 2001, Draco was already an adult, we have no right over any of the abuse anymore. You see, if we investigated every magic used on every adult, we wouldn't be able to handle it. As for Draco's case, the abuse didn't stop until he ran away. I knew about it, but I couldn't do anything; and at that time, the Ministry couldn't be bothered less," Colin explained.

"Draco ran away?" Hermione asked.

"He did, by the time he was 16. He was taken away by Snape. He begged Snape to let him go, Snape felt sorry for the boy. Snape lived only to tell Narcissa her son was safe and alive. He was taken by Aurors soon after that. He's in Azkaban now…weeping for the rest of his life," Colin said, smiling sadly.

"So where did he live?"

"He knew Snape wasn't at home so he stayed there. For weeks, I hunted him down. I invested a lot in him. I found him there, clinging on to dear life. Looks like Death Eaters found him faster than I did. I brought him to my Manor; he was unconscious for almost 3 days. When he woke up, he vowed not to be stained by evil. He's been doing the Ministry's business ever since. In fact, if he hadn't resigned, he'd be your boss."

Hermione sighed and said, "I'm no good in this. Honestly, I never thought I'd said this, but I'm too immature for this deal."

"You've still got plenty to learn," Colin said, patting Hermione's back and left the room. It was that exact moment Hermione realized that in life what's important is realizing you've still got a lot more to learn…

A/N: If you haven't read the AN on top...please do so...I got some announcement to make and I don't fancy re-typing it! Anyway...leave me a bundle of reviews alright! And pls understand...I'm suffering writer's block...don't worry, this chapter was prepared earlier, so that means I won't be updating sooner...my homework is never getting lesser...I'm really sorry...a hugh stack of history notes is waiting to be copied by me! Argh! I wish I could just finish my story...even when I'm doing my homework, I feel guilty for not updating my story sooner!

Lots of Love
Ashley