Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter

Warnings: Violence , and Mature Themes.

Chapter 25

Hermione stretched languidly as she woke up from her sleep, and turned-off her alarm. Looking around her room, she sighed as she took in the state of her bedroom. Waking up a bit, she smiled as she remembered the events of last night. She quickly began picking up her things and got ready for the day. It was tedious work, but she didn't regret her actions one bit.

She had a goal now. Last night's actions had made it very clear what she had to do about her intense attraction to Harry. He was her Sire, and she would protect his happiness and his welfare with all the power that she could. She had been struggling with her shift in perception ever since she had woken up after being turned and it had taken her this long to realize that it would make it easier on her and the happiest if she weren't fighting with her instincts. But before she went to Harry with her resolute feelings, she needed to talk to Perenelle. As she figured, it would be better for her and Harry if she got all the facts before she even talked to Harry about it.

Harry wasn't going to be there today, and she would make sure to take advantage of that fact.

(Break)

Harry was totally, absolutely bored. It came as quite a surprise to him that even with the relatively short time that he had been training, he felt that he was missing something important. Try as he might he couldn't shake off the weird feeling. Hermione and Daphne had already left for today's training and Harry didn't really know what he was supposed to do to relax.

Flying calmed him down, but that was not possible in broad daylight. That was it really, he didn't have any other activities that calmed him down. It was a little disconcerting for him that he had so few hobbies.

He really needed a hobby.

"*You could spend the day with me. I always looked forward to the summer, even if your relatives are horrible, you would always chat all day with me. I miss that.*" Hedwig trilled a longing tune.

Harry looked over at his Phoenix, Hedwig. It was true that he hadn't been spending as much time as he used to with her. Harry got up from the bed, and walking over to Hedwig's perch, he stroked her soft feathers lovingly.

"I'm really sorry that you feel that way, Hedwig. I promise, I'll try harder."

"*It's not your fault Harry. You have too much work to do.*" Hedwig replied pleasantly. Harry's fingers felt nice on her plumage.

"Nevertheless, we have this great opportunity. Let's make the best of it shall we?" Harry asked her smilingly.

They conversed for over an hour, before Harry reluctantly brought up a topic that he hadn't told another soul about.

"Hedwig? What are your thoughts about Hermione?" Harry asked.

Hedwig took her time in answering her question. Harry wasn't surprised by this, even earlier, Hedwig would sometimes pause before nodding her head of hooting her verdict.

"* Hermione's a very bright girl. Very studious.*"

"And . . .?"

"*What is it that is troubling you Harry?*"

Harry released a nervous breath and told Hedwig about the feelings that he was having about Hermione. He felt comfortable talking freely about it to Hedwig, it was only helped by the fact that Hedwig wouldn't tell another soul about it.

"* The only advice that I can give you is that you shouldn't work against your instincts. It will only hinder you in the long run.*"

Harry shook his head. This was not what he wanted to hear.

He and Hedwig were distracted from their conversation by the absurdly loud tapping of the sole window in the room. Unnoticed by Harry, his wand, lying on the bedside table immediately jumped into his hands, and he pointed his wand at the window. His grip slackened, the same time his jaw did, as he caught sight of the creature that was flapping its ridiculously colorful wings. Harry spied a letter tied to the creature's claws.

He walked over to the window and opened it warily, mindful of the sharp talons that the agitated bird sported. Hedwig gave a disapproving trill, and the bird immediately stilled.

"*Much better.*"

Harry gave a curious glance at Hedwig, and she answered his unspoken question, a hint of pride entering her soft tone

"* I am the most coveted and powerful of the avian races, Harry. Every avian creature has that sense ingrained in them.*"

Harry smiled as he retrieved the attached letter; Hedwig was truly a unique familiar.

Harry was surprised to see that the letter was from Sirius. He walked away and placed the letter on the table and looked expectantly at Hedwig. Hedwig, understanding what Harry wanted of her, flew down from her perch and landed on the letter. She trilled her response, and Harry sighed as he picked up the letter.

He was getting really paranoid. He had seen the number of times that Voldemort's minions had used a letter as a medium to abduct or harm their targets.

Even though he had faced Voldemort before, he hadn't truly known what exactly he was capable of in a fight. He knew now. They say that Knowledge is a burden, and Harry was beginning to agree. As he worked tirelessly, scouring the tomes in the Department's Library, he would find his questions answered, but the answers would be replaced by an even greater number of questions. The mere thought that Voldemort had over 56 years of getting his questions answered, was chilling and at the same time disheartening.

He was brought out of his dark mood by Hedwig's uplifting trill.

Giving Hedwig a grateful look, Harry turned his attention towards the letter that he had received. Opening the envelop, he couldn't help but feel a bit foolish for his actions. It was a letter from Sirius.

Hey Harry,

How are you doing? Are the Dursleys treating you any better? Did you have the opportunity to wave the fake timepiece in their faces? Ah well, I suppose it doesn't really matter. Judging by the fearful looks that they were throwing at me, I don't think they will trouble you for long.

I was just writing to know if you have had the opportunity to visit Gringotts about the state of Potter Manor and about your Emancipation. I haven't had any contact with the Wizarding world for a long time, so I haven't heard anything about it.

I think I finally gave the Dementors a slip. Haven't felt them for nearly two weeks. I think I might venture out and meet up with Remus. I wrote to him to meet up with me somewhere. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything Harry.

Sirius.

Unbidden, Harry's thoughts wandered to the very recent memory of him asking to let Pettigrew live, stating that his parents wouldn't have wanted Sirius to commit cold-blooded murder. Now, he couldn't help but think that it would have made things so very easy for Sirius if he had just kept his mouth shut. Thinking back, he had been more worried to witness a murder committed in front of him, than for his Godfather's conscience. He had been selfish and his Godfather was reaping the fallout.

Such thoughts plagued his mind as he penned his reply to his Godfather, saying that all had gone well at Gringotts and that Potter Manor would be ready within two weeks. Tying his reply to the odd bird, Harry watched as it went out of his eyesight after a few minutes.

Determination filled his being and he walked purposefully towards his wardrobe. Bending down, he carefully brought out the sole trunk that he had taken from the Potter Vault and opened it. Items lay scattered haphazardly in the trunk and spotting a journal, he slowly reached out his hand and opened it.

It was his mother's journal, detailing the project that she had told him about. So it was true, he really did meet his parents. Eyes stinging, he walked over to the bed and began reading.

'Application of Wards' – Lily Evans.

Wards are often used to protect a large area against a variety of things. Runestones are the most popular things used to tie a ward together, normal stones can be used but it would be only a temporary fixture. Runestones directly tap into the Magical Ley lines running throughout the globe, making them perfect focuses for carving the appropriate runes.

What I have attempted to find out is whether wards can be used without stones altogether. If that necessity would be terminated, wards can be constructed practically anywhere. What is to stop from a person to construct a ward around any number of small things that she wants to protect, what's to stop them from using wards in a duel, what's to stop a person from weaving a ward around himself . . .

Harry read on engrossed in his mother's research, the same research that had been ridiculed by many, and taken humorously by his father. Harry promised to himself that he would see his mother's research through . . . he had found a new hobby to occupy his time.

-X-

'They would make a good team.' Perenelle thought as she unobtrusively observed Hermione and Daphne take their shot at the Training Range. Hermione tended to favor Defence in her spell choices and Daphne was the exact opposite. She had thought that Hermione and Harry would make a good team, but everything that she had been told about Harry was slowly but steadily changing, and with the recruitment of Daphne, she had more operatives to work with.

The sole reason that she had agreed to take on Daphne was because she fit in perfectly. Practically orphaned, no relatives to speak of, she would make a good operative. The sole concern would be if she went down the path of revenge, seeking vengeance against her parents.

'I'll deal with that if it becomes a problem.' She thought as she silently made her way towards the two girls. She smiled in amusement at the thoroughly surprised looks on the two girl's faces. Harry had stopped being surprised by her random appearances recently, and she could confess to herself that she was surprised. Seriously, that boy spoilt all her fun.

-X-

Hermione had told Perenelle that she had wanted to ask her something, and she had smiled and told her to come to her office once she was done for the day. To be honest, Hermione was a little relieved. This would be the first time that she would be talking to her without Harry nearby. Without Harry's presence, Hermione was a little intimidated by the powerful witch. She had read all about it, it was speculated that a powerful wizard or witch exuded an aura about their surroundings that simultaneously acted as a warning to their enemies and as a comforting presence to their loved ones. While she wasn't feeling threatened, she didn't feel comfortable. She wondered how Harry seemed to handle it effortlessly. She doubted if he was even aware of it.

Squaring her shoulders, Hermione thought about entering the office and walked through the door that opened to her right.

Exchanging pleasantries, and after talking a bit about the training today, Hermione fidgeted in her seat.

"So what's bothering you Hermione?" Perenelle asked curiously.

Hermione took a deep breath and in a small voice asked, "What can you tell me about a Vampire's mate?"

Perenelle looked at Hermione speculatively and after observing her nervous form for a moment began her explanation.

"First of all, you have to be aware of the fact that Vampires rarely pick a Mate, or a Blood-Mate if you will. I presume that you are aware of the very rare phenomenon that sometimes occurs between two magical folk?" Perenelle asked referring to the Soul Bond that some select Witches and Wizards share. At Hermione's nod, she continued.

"Well, when Vampires choose to take a mate or mates, as the case might be, they perform a ritual that binds them together forever. It's not to be taken lightly as Vampires have a very long lifespan, so we don't take the decision lightly." Perenelle said.

Hermione nodded to herself, and asked a question that had risen in her mind.

"What do you mean mates? As in more than one . . .?" Hermione asked.

Perenelle paused as she weighed the best possible way to explain her earlier statement. She wasn't sure if Hermione was ready to hear her next words. She didn't think she was. Hermione was too idealistic in her opinions, but strangely enough, she would change her viewpoints if it was Harry who was the one who explained things to her.

Perenelle saw the signs, she had seen them the first day that she met Hermione. Hermione was an independent girl, she had her own ambitions, but the most important thing to her was her loyalty to Harry. The only real reason that Hermione had for joining the Order was because Harry was, and Perenelle had no objections to it. As long as Harry was a part of the Order, Hermione would as well.

"You have to understand something about Vampires before I get to that." Perenelle said at length. Receiving Hermione's curious nod, she continued.

"Vampires are creatures of instinct, and those instincts are more animalistic than human. Powerful Vampires feel the need to have multiple mates, and usually the mates are powerful as well. It works both ways, if the female is the more dominant one in the relationship, she will have multiple mates, male or female, depending on their preferences. The same is true for males as well." Perenelle paused, before continuing on.

"Looking at it from an objective point of view, the more powerful a Vampire is, the more mates they have. Now, some Vampires prefer to have a single Blood-Mate, and just have trysts with other partners to satiate their instincts and desires. Vampires are much more similar to Veela in that regard, than to any other creature."

"So, Harry . . .?"

"It might be possible, or may not. He is still young, but after his birthday, his maturity, we may notice a change in his desires." Perenelle answered Hermione's unfinished question.

Hermione bit her lip in thought. She had read about Veela while researching about the Basilisk during her second year. They were creatures of passion, a modern day seductress. The book had described that they had taken advantage of their beauty to coerce their way into many victories. That had been true in the ages after the time of the founders. Their reputation had increased since then, and now they were considered as normal humans in many magical communities across the globe.

"How similar are we to a Veela?" Hermione asked Perenelle, making sure that she got her facts right.

"Well, the most prominent similarity would be the beauty of both races. Their vanity. You will notice that even though you get stronger with your training, your body will never change much from its current appearance. The only thing that will change, will come with age. Vampires shape their bodies according to what they think would appear appealing to the opposite sex. The next similarity would be the Veela's Allure. While a Vampire's Allure is not as strong, it is there. The both of you haven't manifested them yet, and when you do, I will have to teach you how to control, and take advantage of them." Perenelle replied.

Hermione sat back in the chair in contemplative silence. The explanation Perenelle provided helped her a little, but it still didn't explain the things to her clearly. Was she just reacting to Harry because he was a boy, or did it have to do something with him being her Sire. She looked up to see Perenelle's blank expression and came to the decision that she didn't want to ask her about that. She could figure it out from the new information that she had received. After a few moments, she got up and started to leave, absently thanking her. She paused, just as she reached her hand out to open the door.

"Why didn't you tell us about this earlier?" Hermione asked.

Perenelle didn't answer at first, but when Hermione gave her an accusing look, she replied. "I was a little . . .uncomfortable about informing you about these things. You are still young, and more importantly, you haven't been brought up as a Vampire your whole life. I just thought that it would be easier for you to accept yourself if I didn't tell you."

The only answer she received was the sound of her closing office door.

-X-

Pettigrew walked, holding his Master nervously in his arms, as he directed him towards a house that belonged to a very important Ministry Official. He didn't dare ask for the reason for the visit, knowing that he would incur his Master's anger.

Taking out his own wand, he performed the spells that his Master had taught him, and would allow them to acess the house, despite the impressive set of Wards that protected it. The enchantments wouldn't hold, and by morning, no one would know that the Wards had even been breached. He uttered the spells, his voice stuttering with the unfamiliar spells.

Voldemort growled inwardly at the rat's incompetence. He couldn't even perform his job silently, after all the time that he had spent teaching him. It wasn't the most pleasant thing, but it had been necessary. If he were get back his body, and more importantly, secure his anchors, he would need a servant that was more competent in the usage of magic.

Voldemort smirked as he felt the spells take hold, and Pettigrew take him inside the Ward's boundaries. Yes, tonight, tonight he could finally begin his plans for his resurrection. Tonight would mark the beginning of a new era.

-X-

Nymphadora Tonks was not happy. She didn't know how many weeks it had been since she had an evening to herself. Thinking that t had been a long time since she had gone out, she had accepted a colleague's proposal to meet up at a popular bar. There were 5 of them, two women and three guys. She had immediately regretted her decision to accompany them. She was getting immensely annoyed by the suave (according to him), guy that was attempting to sweet talk her. Rick Thornvale was a recruit, the same as her, and was admittedly the most popular guy at the Auror dept.

It wasn't like she didn't want to date somebody; it would make sense to date him. He was cute, funny, popular, but most importantly, a gentle man, and honest in his views. He was involved in the same line of work as her, and would understand her frustrations better than anyone else.

The problem?

She hadn't been able to concentrate on his words ever since she had sat down at the table, and her mind was free to wander. And her mind wandered towards the same line of thought that her mind had taken her every night, ever since she had met Harry this summer.

She nodded, picked up her drink and took a huge gulp, and laughed absently when she heard everyone at the table laugh loudly. It would seem that someone had cracked some sort of a joke.

Lately, she often wondered what he might be doing at the moment, at various times during the day. She was confused as to why she had been thinking so much about him lately. But, to be fair, he had given her information that had given her a lot to think about.

"Tonks? Tonks!"

"Eh? Er . . .yeah?" she asked as she was dragged out of her thoughts.

The people at the table gave her some weird looks, but Tonks couldn't bring herself to care. They weren't her friends, just co-workers, and comrades in arms.

"I was wondering if you were free tomorrow night?" Rick asked her, a charming smile on his face. Tonks looked at the rest of her company, and caught sight of the jealous look the other woman was shooting at her.

"I'm sorry Rick, but I don't think that I will be free anytime soon. It's a surprise that I even got any free time today." Tonks responded disinterestedly. She got up, feigned a weary, drunk expression, and told them that she wasn't feeling so well. She brushed off the concerned looks, and left the bar. She didn't mean to be rude, but she had a lot on her mind.

If she had looked back, she might have noticed the furious look that Rick directed at her.

Arriving back at her apartment, she busied herself going over some of the cases that she had worked on. She hadn't ignored Harry's warning about the Dark Lord, and had already taken measures to protect herself better. Looking at the time, and the late hour, she got ready for bed. Slipping under her covers, she caught sight of the calendar with a single day glowing brightly.

31st July.

It was only two weeks until Harry's birthday.

Thinking about the type of gift that she could get him, she fell asleep with a smile on her face.

(Chapter End)

A/N:- Sorry about the lateness of the chapter . . . had some problems that cropped up regarding my net. Anyway, I would like to hear what the readers thought about this chapter . . .I had a little trouble conveying what I wanted to . . . but I think I managed . . . somewhat.

And also, Happy Valentine's Day ;-) (Only for the girls though ^o^)

Review your thoughts . . .