Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter

Warnings: Violence , and Mature Themes.

Chapter 7

Harry grumbled under his breath as he picked himself up from the floor of the Headmaster's office. Hermione had not fallen down this time, and Harry's frustration increased. Still shaking his head, he ignored the chuckling Headmaster and taking Hedwig in his arms, walked off, out of the Headmaster's office making his way towards the kitchens.

Hermione smiled at Harry's antics, before she turned towards the Headmaster and asked a question that she had forgotten to ask earlier.

"Professor how do you protect yourself from Legilimency?"

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at her question, but answered pleasantly nevertheless.

"Legilimency, the art of invading another's mind, can be countered by the art of Occlumency. Together they are known as the Mind Arts. I presume that Perenelle was the one that informed you of it?"

Hermione nodded. She had spent a considerable amount of time in the Hogwarts library, but had never read about this.

Dumbledore, who seemed to have picked up on her thoughts, said, " It is an obscure branch of magic that is only taught to selected people. One can either learn it from their mentor or from their family. Law enforcement candidates, Aurors, are also required to learn to defend their minds. It is not a subject that is taught at Hogwarts and thus, there are no books in the Hogwarts library on this subject."

"But that seems a bit unfair to those who don't have Wizarding backgrounds." Hermione protested.

"You are right about that, but you have to realize that you are still a student and have not begun your life as a Witch, you tend to pick up things such as this either from experience or from friends. Muggleborns such as yourself, have a disadvantage early on but eventually it all evens out." Dumbledore said gently. While that wasn't exactly true, Dumbledore knew that telling her about the true face of the Wizarding society would be discouraging, and she didn't need to know it now.

"I think I understand." Hermione said with a frown on her face.

"Professor?" Hermione asked hesitantly.

"Yes Miss. Granger?"

"Can anyone learn Ligilimency? Even a student?" Hermione asked. She had always prided herself for her mind, and the thought that someone could read it on a whim was unsettling to her.

"No Miss. Granger, it requires a certain amount of talent, and ability to learn it. Only a select few people are capable of it and those with the ability have to register themselves at the Ministry to get a license, similar to being an Animagus, for continuing its practice. I doubt that there is any student at the school that has been trained in the art." Dumbledore said, trying to abate her fear.

Hermione was silent for a long time, contemplating this new information. She was not sure if she should ask her next question, but did anyway.

"Can you do it Professor?"

If Dumbledore was surprised by her question, he didn't let it show on his face. After all, he had been expecting it from the inquisitive young woman.

"I am indeed capable of it, but I have never used it against students without their permission first."

Hermione nodded, and getting up said, "Thank you for your time Headmaster."

"It was my pleasure Miss. Granger, summers are always boring without any students inside the castle. Your presence is a welcome distraction."

Hermione smile and just as she was about to leave, Dumbledore asked her a question.

"Did Harry accept?" Dumbledore asked.

Hermione seemed to think about her answer for a long time. "We are supposed to think over it today Professor, but knowing Harry, he will no doubt accept. Good day Headmaster."

Dumbledore sighed as Hermione left. He was still of the opinion that Harry was much too young to have such a burden placed on his shoulders, but if his mentor had decided that he was ready, he couldn't really do anything about it.

(Break)

Lunch in the kitchens was punctuated by Hedwig's happy trills. She was swivelling her head side to side taking in her new surroundings, fascinated by it. Harry and Hermione had a very enjoyable time having lunch, even Hermione, who Harry thought was not prone to some of the more extreme behaviours of girlishness, was gushing over Hedwig's cuteness and was smiling happily as she fed Hedwig bits of food from her hand.

As they made their way to the common rooms, Hedwig sleeping comfortably in Harry's arms; Hermione told Harry whatever the Headmaster had told her about the Mind Arts. After hearing that, Harry was quiet for a time.

"I bet Snape is capable of using Legilmency." Harry said.

Hermione opened her mouth to argue that it was against the law, but was interrupted.

"I know it's against the law Hermione, but think about it. He always seems to know if someone had done anything and I have often felt a headache while in his classes. He just cant's prove his findings as it is against the law to use it unauthorized. But I doubt that he would care about the law." Harry said.

Hermione contemplated Harry's words. She knew that he was correct, but . . .

"Professor Dumbledore would do something about it Harry if it was the case, but, I think that you are right. He seems to have something against you specifically. He's mean to all the students besides the Slytherins, but he is more than that to you." Hermione said softly.

"Greasy git." Harry mumbled. He was surprised when Hermione didn't scold him for insulting a teacher.

They entered the common room, and sat in front of the fireplace. After talking for a bit, and growing bored with nothing to do, Harry told Hermione that he wanted to try and Transfigure a nest for Hedwig similar to the one that the Headmaster had made, and requested that Hermione do it for him. Hermione agreed happily and Harry described the nest as well as he could remember, tweaking it a little as he thought of all the little quirks that Hedwig had.

They had been working for nearly an hour before they were interrupted by a tapping on the window. Harry opened the window and the owl dropped a letter in front of Harry before she took off, not waiting for a reply. Harry opened the letter, and was surprised at reading the signature at the end of the letter. It was from Sirius. He beckoned Hermione to come closer and they read the letter together.

Hey Pup,

How are the Dursleys treating you? If they give you any trouble, just point the watch at them and threaten that you can call me anytime you wish, that ought to straighten them up. But if you accept my proposal, you won't need to put up with them for long.

As your Magical Guardian, I have the authority to declare you as an emancipated minor. You will need to go to Gringotts and ask to talk to the Black Family overseer. It should be a goblin by the name of Bloodroot, funny name right? Anyway, he will be able to do all the formalities. I have sent a letter to him as well, and don't worry; it doesn't put me at any risk. Goblins have always served their clients irrespective of their social status; they gave the Ministry a hard time in the last war about it as well. But that is a story for another time.

Anyway after you are emancipated, you need to ask to be read the will of your parents and claim your Potter inheritance. I don't know how much help I will be able to provide, but I hope that this would help. Tell the Goblins to re-construct Potter Manor; it was destroyed during the last war. I doubt that you will be having a shortage of funds, but if that is the case I have instructed Bloodroot to cover the cost from the Black Family Vault. You can't protest, I have a responsibility as your guardian to provide a suitable home for you, besides I was living there as well for most of my Hogwarts's years, so I like to think of it as my home as well.

I urge you to think about it Harry. Hearing about your last two years of Hogwarts has put me on edge, I have a feeling that Voldemort isn't going to be idle for long, and if he returns, Potter Manor will be the safest place for you to go to. Also, if you can, don't tell Dumbledore about this letter and your visit to Gringotts. I have a feeling that he won't be happy about it.

Send me a letter after you are settled at Potter Manor, if it's safe for me to travel I will come there. I would like to spend some time with my Godson. Who knows, we might be able to rope in Moony as well and show you how we have fun, Marauder style!

See you soon Pup,

Padfoot.

Harry was stunned after reading Sirius's letter. Living on his own, at Potter Manor no less; was something that he had always dreamed about. Guilt, that he was feeling after deciding not to tell Sirius about his situation, returned with a vengeance. Even though he was on the run, he was still making sure the he was having no difficulty with his life.

Although slightly confused at Sirius's warning about Dumbledore, he realized that Sirius might be right and vowed that he would do everything that was possible to help his Godfather.

Looking sideways, he noticed that Hermione had a frown on her face. She sighed and then smiled happily at Harry.

"Can I come with you to Gringotts as well Harry?"

Harry had thought of many questions that she might have asked him, but her question was totally unexpected. He nodded dumbly.

Harry was distracted from his thoughts, for the rest of the time that they were working on making Hedwig's nest. After they had finished it, Harry gently woke up Hedwig and placed her in her new nest. She trilled happily, but after Harry left her there, she trilled sadly and after Harry had gone over to see what was wrong, she jumped up into his arms and then after releasing a few happy trills slept contentedly.

Hermione laughed outright at seeing Harry's incredulous expression.

(Break)

After dinner, the two of them walked back up to the Headmaster's office and deposited a sleeping Hedwig under Fawkes's care. The Headmaster informed them that he had told Hermione's parents that she, along with Harry; would arrive at Hermione's house after they had concluded their meeting with Perenelle. He again urged them to tell them about their situation. Walking back to the common room, Hermione asked a question that she felt was unnecessary.

"Harry will you be accepting the Apprenticeship?"

"Yes Hermione. I had decided this yesterday itself." Harry replied, determination was shining in his eyes.

"Are you really sure about this? I mean, we are still kids. After hearing the trials that The Order had to go through in the last war, don't you think we are a little too young?" Hermione asked hesitantly. She was always keen to learn new things, but, this was something different. Harry was practically going to be trained as an Auror, at the very least.

"You know how my life has been so far Hermione. Voldemort was the one who destroyed my whole life, and after I came to Hogwarts, every year he has been trying to get me. I need to be able to defend myself and . . . you Hermione. You mean too much to me, and Voldemort will take advantage of that fact. It might sound insulting Hermione, but are you sure that you want to still remain my friend. Even after knowing that there is a high possibility of Voldemort coming after me?" Harry asked softly. He noticed that Hermione had stopped walking, and he was fearful of her reaction as he turned back. His face was suddenly assaulted by Hermione's; now straight; hair.

"Don't ever ask me that question again Harry. Don't you realize that I would help you in any way that I can? You are my friend Harry and I intend to keep it that way." Hermione said. She hit him in the back of his head for extra emphasis.

Harry was suddenly aware that he was holding Hermione close to him, and her scent assaulted his nose. He had been aware of his hunger since lunch, but decided that he could hold out until dinner; apparently his instincts thought otherwise. His fangs extended unconsciously, and he suddenly stepped away from her, his hands over his mouth.

Hermione was surprised at Harry's actions, but after seeing him covering his mouth, understood immediately.

"I-I'm sorry, I don't know what . . ." Harry tried apologizing.

"It's nothing to apologize for Harry, we need to get used to it anyway." Hermione interrupted Harry.

Harry put down his hands, but as he thought about it, he gained a confused frown on his face.

"Hermione? If I drink from you, won't that make you thirsty as well? I mean it's like an endless cycle."

Hermione hadn't thought of it like that. But, she hadn't felt the hunger today and was feeling quite full. Her confusion increased.

"I don't know Harry. I don't think that I need to drink your blood today, I'm feeling quite full. Blood-wise." Hermione said her voice uncertain.

"But the Professor told us that newly turned Vampires need to feed every day." Harry said.

"We'll ask her about this later, if I feel like I need to feed I'll go to Professor Dumbledore and ask him about this." Hermione said calmly.

(Break)

Harry was standing nervously looking at Hermione's equally nervous form. They had decided to turn in for the night, and had delayed this as much as they could.

"S-So w-what exactly am I s-supposed to d-do?" Harry asked.

"I d-don't know! I was barely coherent." Hermione said, her hands playing with a stray lock of her hair nervously. This wasn't something that had been mentioned in the books, it just said that the Vampires fed blood. It didn't tell one about how they did it.

"So what do I-I do?" Harry asked.

Hermione sighed and walked closer to him.

"H-Hermione?"

Hermione ignored Harry and a blush blossomed on her face at the thought of what she was about to do. If it were anyone other than Harry, she knew that she would never do such a thing. She hugged Harry close to her, making sure that he had ample access to her neck. She sighed in relief when she felt Harry's fangs on her neck, and shuddered in phantom pleasure, before her world exploded in a shower of colours.

Harry didn't know what came over him as Hermione hugged him. It was as if, he was a puppet controlled by someone else. His fangs extended, and he grazed Hermione's neck with it. He was unaware of Hermione's response, but as he bit into her neck, every sane thought was wiped out of his mind. It was exquisite. He would be hard pressed to describe the sensation that he felt, as he imbued Hermione's blood. After several mouthfuls, as soon as he felt his instincts sated, he stepped back and watched fascinated as the puncture wounds healed themselves. But, as he stepped back, he had to steady Hermione who seemed to be swaying.

Hermione was aware that she would feel good if Harry bit her, she had seen it happen to Harry yesterday. But she was unprepared for exactly how good she would feel. She remained standing only due to Harry's support, and swayed on her feet when he stepped back.

"Hermione! Are you alright?" Harry asked, worry evident on his face.

Hermione took a few deep breaths to normalize her breathing, and to clear her head of the pleasure she had felt.

"Yeah . . .Yes Harry, I'm fine."

"Did I take too much?" Harry asked still worried.

"No Harry . . . I just wasn't prepared, I didn't think that . . . it would be so . . .so . . ." Hermione couldn't bring herself to say it.

"Are you sure?" Harry asked as he led her to sit on the couch. As soon as she sat down, she jumped back up, blushing brightly.

"I t-think that I'm going to go sleep Harry. And don't blame yourself for anything, you did nothing wrong." Hermione said, and walked towards the girls dorm.

Harry was left standing in the common room, staring confusedly at Hermione's form.

'My God! Now I need to take a shower before I sleep. But Harry didn't seem to be as affected as I am . . .' Hermione thought as she walked up the stairs.

'But I wouldn't mind a repeat of that' Hermione blushed at her own thoughts.

(Break)

Perenelle was making her way through the grounds of Hogwarts. She walked up to the Headmaster's office and entered.

"Good morning Professor. Would you like some tea?" Dumbledore asked.

"Sure."

"I presume you are here for Mr. Potter." Dumbledore said as he was pouring a cup for her. He seemed to concentrate for a moment before he said, "I think you won't have to wait long."

Perenelle nodded. Sipping her tea, she saw something that had changed since she had last been here.

"Whose Phoenix is that Albus?" Perenelle asked as she got up and made her way towards the small bird.

"Ah . . .that is Harry's phoenix, Hedwig. It has an unusual tale behind it as well."

"Hedwig? Harry's owl?" Perenelle asked, astonished.

"Mr. Potter is a very unusual young man." Dumbledore chuckled.

"Indeed."

It was then that the door opened and the young man in question walked through. He seemed surprised to see her in the Headmaster's office, but greeted her nevertheless. Perenelle turned to face him directly, and asked seriously, "Do you accept to become my Apprentice, Harry?"

Harry's face and demeanour was full of confidence as he said, "I accept."

(End Chapter)

A/N:- Howdy! Sorry for cutting it short, but I had to do it. Now, someone has told me in a review that the story was going to slow, but I think that it is necessary. Sorry if it offends you but I don't think I can gloss over some things. Anyway, how did you like this chapter? Review!