A/N: Hi everyone. Sorry about the delay, I just had a bit of a writer's block after the last chapter and didn't know what to write. Well, tonight I had some sort of inspirational kick…that resulted in this chapter. I'm sorry if there are any mistakes and you notice them, please tell me and I'll try to correct them. It's 02:00 o'clock here, and I just don't have the energy anymore.
Amaya2278: Thank you so much for the review. I'm from Romania, so my birth language is Romanian, although at the moment I only speak it with my mother once every two weeks, or a friend now and then. At the moment, I speak Greek every day, seeing as I live in Greece, and my kids are speaking only Greek (no matter how much I try to teach them my own). I studied English in school, but that ended about six years ago, and there isn't one person that speaks it here. So, I don't know if it's really anexcuse for my grammar…but it's my excuse. :))
jirle: Thank you for your review, and I'm glad you enjoy the story. I think it's pretty obvious who the stupid of the two is, *cough* Ron *cough*, but I won't deny a bit of it on Dumbledore's either. I'm also honored to have you pay me the biggest compliment. Honestly, I was ecstatic when I read your review. Thank you once again.
Thank you all for the bit of time you give up for writing a review for me, and I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
Kisses, MoonShadowAMR.J
Chapter 16: Not again...
''Got him didn't you?''
Hermione jumped at the sound of the voice and quickly spun around. Shiny black, curly hair and violet eyes met her. Ignoring the fact that she was completely naked, Hermione quickly dropped to one knee and bowed her head. ''My Lady…''
''Rise Angel. And you know very well that you don't have to keep up with the formalities every time we meet. Now tell me, how are you…and how is your dark wizard?''
''We're better than ever, I suppose.'' Hermione answered, sitting on the side of the bathtub. ''I feel like he's the one I've been waiting for all my life. He's sweet, tender…he won't say it, but it's obvious that he cares about me as much as I do about him.'' Hermione answered with a faraway look in her eyes and a silly grin on her lips.
Lillith smiled. ''He is perfect for you Angel. You complete each other. I also wanted to tell you how proud I am of both of you, for what you've done with the students. They'll be ready in no time, some of them already are. I can't be sure what Tezrian is planning, but it's unnatural for Alastor to stay quiet for so long. Be prepared and keep an extra eye on Dumbledore.'' Lillith said, with concern in her eyes.
Anyone who didn't know her, could vow that she was nothing more than a soulless, emotionless entity by now. No one knew though, that she was still mourning after the expulsion from the Garden of Eden. She had grown accustomed with her current life, but after all this time she still regretted taking the blasted apple.
''Do not worry My Lady, I will.'' Hermione smiled.
''Good.'' Lillith nodded. ''Oh, one more thing. It seems the big guy up there decided you need help in the final battle. He will be sending one of his to aid you. His angel won't be helpful to you though, it will only spare you the need to keep an eye on the 'Chosen One'. This angel will be aiding him more than you.''
''That would be a lot of help actually. If I know Harry is safe my job will be taken care of easier. Thank you My Lady.''
''No need to thank me Angel, and no more of 'my lady' nonsense. Anyway, keep doing what you're doing Angel…and take care of your dark one.''
Hermione's cheeks turned brilliant red as she understood what Lillith meant exactly by 'taking care' of Severus. She was after all labeled as the goddess of lust…
With a last nod of her head, Lillith disappeared in a red puff of smoke and Hermione quickly sat up and started dressing for the day.
Walking down the corridors, towards the Great Hall for breakfast, Hermione couldn't help herself but look out the window. Spring had come with gentle, warm breezes, the grass had already broken trough the frozen earth and was shining in beautiful shades of green in the morning sun, birds were happily singing their unique tunes while jumping from branch to branch in the newly blossomed trees.
A broad smile stretched across her lips as she could hear the earth humming in contentment after being awakened from it's winter slumber. Giving one last look at the clear blue sky, Hermione continued her walk.
The Great Hall was, as every other morning, filled with chatter and the sound of silverware against golden plated. Her mouth started watering as the rich aromas invaded her nostrils, vanilla, strawberries, chocolate, hot coffee…yes, Hermione nodded to herself, today would prove to be a very good day…
Albus Dumbledore watched from his seat in the center of the Head Table, as Hermione walked quickly towards the Gryffindor table and sat beside Harry. The girl was becoming a real problem. He had asked Harry to his office numerous times, offering him special training for the upcoming confrontation with Tom Riddle, and yet the boy had refused. Well, it wasn't real training in a way, just some memories of young Riddle, to give the boy the impression that he was doing something, helping. He also needed to find those blasted Horcruxes.
Albus had managed to track one down, to a cavern in the middle of the ocean, but proved to be a fake. Of course, the house-elf that had accompanied him, in Harry Potter's place, had died shortly after ingesting the potion that covered it. But that wasn't a matter of concern for the great Albus Dumbledore.
What did concerned him though was Harry's refusal for either private lessons, or helping in these weekly 'adventures'. And Hermione Granger was the only one to blame.
Numerous plans had passed trough both his and Molly's heads, but none were logical enough. There was one thought that had crossed his mind, and which Molly had opposed to, but it seemed the only good enough to work the way he wanted. It needed a lot of planning, but it would work.
Satisfied with his decisions, Dumbledore extracted a lemon drop from his pocket and settled to watch the students.
Classes had become a definite bore for Hermione. There was nothing in Transfiguration that she didn't know, there was nothing new in Charms, and she knew enough History of Magic to easily become a teacher. But of course there was still potions and Care of Magical Creatures.
Except for Ron, the potions classroom was full with the DA members, and of course, none of them were helping the redhead. Each and every lesson, Ron was close to either blowing up his cauldron, or melting it, and so, Severus would kick him out and allowed the others to work on more difficult and important potions. And of course Dumbledore had no idea about it.
Seamus and Dean's explosive potions were perfected during these classes, bottled and stored under a shrinking charm for later use. They were so strong, that if one bottle was accidentally used, it would have blown, not only the potions classroom, but the whole section of the dungeons.
During these lessons they had also perfected the escape plan for the younger years. Knowing that Dumbledore wanted to use every student, and he would surely seal the castle in order to prevent anyone escaping, Harry had offered to hold open the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. By changing the password afterwards, it would allow any DA member to get the students out after the battle.
It would be a close call, they all knew it, but that way Dumbledore had no way inside, and the students would be safe.
Somehow, Dumbledore had failed in getting a new potions professor, thus having Severus teaching both potions and DADA classes. It was a very tight schedule, but he managed it. The DA didn't need him that much now, requiring mostly Hermione's presence, and giving him the needed time of rest. It helped him, yes, but everyone could see Hermione didn't approve with the tactic.
In Care of Magical Creatures, Hagrid seemed to believe that if the creatures were more dangerous, the class would be more fun. To him, bringing Manticores, a Sphinx, a dragon, or even Fluffy for studying, was heaven. Of course, it didn't meant the students approved, but alas, there was nothing to do about it.
By 14th February, Hermione was as nervous as a deer caught in the headlights. She wasn't one to celebrate Valentine's Day, and she obviously didn't know if Severus would appreciate her making a remark about it. She did have something she wanted to share with him on the day, but she didn't know what his thoughts would be on the issue.
Luckily, Dumbledore hadn't decided to throw another silly ball.
14th of that month was on a Sunday, every female in Hogwarts was spending as much time in front of the mirror as they could, as soon as they got out of bed, and waited with a beaming smile on their faces and a thumbing heart in their chests for the gifts that their boyfriends were sure to send them. Every one of them…besides Hermione that is. There was no reason for her to do so, really, Severus liked her just the way she was and that was enough for her. Sitting beside Harry at the Gryffindor table, Hermione immediately saw his worried expression.
''Something wrong Harry?'' Hermione whispered.
To her puzzlement, Harry just looked away and blushed. ''You know you can talk to me about anything right?''
Harry sighed and looked at her, cheeks deep red.
''I…I just…kind of asked Luna…to be my Valentine. I'm waiting for an answer.''
Hermione was silent for about forty seconds. Unable to hold it anymore, she burst out in giggles. ''Harry Potter, the Chosen One, the Boy-Who-Lived…is ready to fight Voldemort at any moment, but shy when it comes to a girl…''Hermione mocked, still laughing. ''Really Harry, I don't understand you. Luna is a great girl, and if you have the confidence to face a snake-faced megalomaniac, surely you can ask a girl out. Now stop waiting and go to her.'' Hermione finished by shoving him off the bench and towards the Ravenclaw Table. ''It's a Hogsmeade weekend, go ask her. Now!''
Harry grinned and rushed away. Hermione just shook her head and started eating her breakfast.
The moment owls started filling trough the windows in the Great Hall, every girl was already standing and their hands ready to catch the offered mail.
Of course, between the cries of happiness and delight, there were also cries of outrage, from the girls that their boyfriends either forgot, or simply ignored them.
Hermione was laughing her head off…until a beautiful black owl landed in front of her. She gulped and sneaked a glance towards the Head Table.
He was missing.
Narrowing her eyes in annoyance, Hermione snatched the small package and tore trough the paper. She didn't know who the owl belonged to, it wasn't his, but there was some magic around it.
The first thing that was for sure was the fact that it wasn't from Severus. The box was simple, no specific texture, no specific color, nothing that could tell her who the sender was.
Hermione waved a discrete hand above it and noticed the several wards that were placed on the package, such as, not allowing anyone else but herself to touch it…It was strange. It couldn't be a dark object because her wards would prevent it from entering the grounds and she would be alerted the next second, so Voldemort was excluded, it could have been something from Severus and used another owl, but there was no note, no nothing…
Sighing in defeat, Hermione opened the box.
A beautiful silver bracelet stood on a velvet blue fabric, with the letters ANGEL hanging on it. Hermione smiled. Maybe it was Severus after all. Clasping it around her wrist she looked at the Head table again just as Harry sat beside her again.
''What's that?'' Harry asked.
''A bracelet.'' Hermione answered, locking eyes with the man she loved as he entered the Hall trough the teacher's entrance, and mouthed 'Thank you' at him.
Her heart sank a little when she noticed Severus' curious look, and her suspicion proved true as he locked eyes with her again and pushed the words 'Not me' in her head.
Harry, not noticing the exchanged looks between Hermione and Severus, nor the widening of Hermione's eyes, grasped her wrist and read the letters out loud.
Not a moment later, they had both vanished from the Gryffindor table, leaving the rest of the occupants screaming and a running Severus.
Severus was frantic. He couldn't understand what had happened.
He had woken up in a very good mood, a bit later than usual, but happy that his surprise for Hermione would be set up for that evening. He showered, dressed and set out for the Great Hall. It was a Saturday and he could, hopefully, spend some time with her…alone.
As soon as the door was closed behind him, Severus immediately sought her out at the Gryffindor table…to see her with a brilliant smile on her face, looking right back at him.
'Thank you', she mouthed, and he quickly looked at the small box in front of her. Jealousy sprung forth in his mind at the idea that some one else had started noticing her- hardly a surprise there though- and that she could, maybe prefer someone younger.
Looking back at her eyes, he sent a growled 'Not me' at her and watched her eyes widen.
Not a moment later…both her and Potter vanished into thin air.
As the Gryffindors started shouting and panicking, he drew his wand and started running to the spot they had just stood in.
Nothing worked though.
No tracking spell, no revealing spell, no signature of any magic…nothing.
By the time he was finished and was leaning over the table, with his hands balled into fists, Dumbledore decided to grace him with his presence and ask what had happened.
''How the hell do you expect me to know what happened? You were there, you saw what I saw. Whatever it was, it was clearly a portkey…they could be anywhere. I can't find anything, no matter what spell I use…'' Severus said, closing his eyes tightly and taking a deep breath.
''Severus, you have to find them. You know we need Harry. We can't involve the ministry in this, so you'll have to find them. No matter what it takes, Harry has to be here. Go!'' Dumbledore whispered fiercely and walked away.
'Oh, that's rich.' Severus thought, narrowing his eyes at Dumbledore's back. He didn't seem disturbed at all that Hermione was also missing, which annoyed Severus greatly, and as always, the great Dumbledore wasn't going to lift a finger to help.
Standing back up, he quickly walked out of the Great Hall and towards the dungeons. He knew his books almost word for word, but he had to look again. Maybe he had overlooked a spell that might be useful, he would use even Dark Magic if needed be.
Not two minutes after he had pulled the first book off the shelf he was interrupted by the door to his chambers opening.
As expected, both Draco and Pansy were concerned and wanted to know what had happened.
''What the hell happened? Hermione was smiling and then they just vanished. How? Where?…''
''I don't know. I can't track them down. I'm trying to find some spell to find them…I know it was a portkey, but I can't track it down.'' Severus' voice was trembling by the time he had finished his sentence, and tears were threatening to spill out of his eyes.
Without another word, Draco pulled a book off the shelf and started leafing trough it. Pansy rounded the desk and placed a hand over Severus' shoulder, squeezing lightly.
''Professor, they'll be fine. Hermione taught us everything we know. If they're in danger, they know how to defend themselves. I know you're worried…we're worried too…but we also know they'll be fine. Trust them.''
Severus closed his eyes briefly and nodded.
She was right of course. They didn't know the length of Hermione's powers, but that didn't stop him from worrying. Sighing one more time, he resumed his search.
Hermione went in alert mode as soon as her feet touched ground. In the blink of an eye she had her sword in her hand and a powerful protecting shield over Harry. How stupid could she be? Trusting a foreign object like that…even if she thought it was from Severus.
The first thing she noticed was that it was dark. It was obvious that they weren't in England anymore. The second thing she noticed, was that they were in some sort of forest, and the third…well, it was a full moon.
'Not again…' she mentally groaned and reached for Harry's hand.
''Harry? Are you ok?''
''Yeah…just a bit dizzy. What happened?'' Harry asked, squeezing her hand in return.
''Apparently, Voldemort decided he didn't lose enough werewolves the last time. Whatever you do Harry, don't leave this spot. If you stay still, I'll be able to protect you better. Nothing can get past this shield, but if you move it'll be a bit difficult for me to concentrate.''
''Mione, you can't fight alone…''
''Harry, if you want to help, do so. The shield won't affect you, only what is on the outside. But I'm not going to let you battle Werewolves, no matter what you say.'' Hermione nearly shouted.
Harry nodded and pulled out his wand.
''Oh, how delightful. Two of them.'' A voice echoed trough the darkness.
Hermione rolled her eyes and looked at the approaching figure. ''Oh, honestly. Haven't you learned your lesson yet?''
''By the end of the hour, you'll be kneeling at my master's feet mudblood.'' Bellatrix growled. ''This time you won't escape…dead or alive, I'll be the one to place you at his feet.''
''Bring them out then.'' Hermione sighed. ''How many have you got this time?''
Bellatrix just started laughing and Hermione could hear feet approaching. They were surrounded. But there was something that puzzled her. There were about ten werewolves…but there were also…men. About twenty of them.
Hermione closed her eyes for a moment and when she opened them again they were crimson. Inhaling deeply trough the nose she recognized the scent immediately.
Vampires. The sword would be useless against them.
''Harry, don't even think about the wolves…we have bigger problems. Whatever human you see standing, just cast Incendio on them.''
''Why Incendio?'' Harry asked, trying to see trough the darkness.
''They're vampires…they're damn fast and hard to kill…'' Hermione growled.
As soon as the werewolves entered the small clearing, Hermione waved her hand and a circle of fire sprung around the edges, keeping the vampires out for the moment.
''Let's dance…'' Hermione smirked and lifted her sword.
Thanks to the fool moon, it wasn't that difficult to see what was going on, not to mention the glow that was coming from the fire.
Hermione was moving gracefully amongst the beasts, slicing left and right. Once her blade made contact with flesh, it went trough like a knife trough butter. Now he understood what Severus had meant all those weeks ago. She was indeed a goddess of war. Her black wings spread wide holding her in the air, or close to her body as she attacked, showing no mercy, or hesitation.
Harry wiped his head to the side as he saw a human body jump over the flames. Remembering Hermione's words, he pointed his wand and wordlessly cast Incendio…but it never hit the target.
In mere seconds there was another vampire jumping over…then another…
It was madness. None of his spells were fast enough to hit them. They were too fast…but Hermione was true to her word. The vampires started scratching at the shield, but it didn't even shimmer, or show any sign of faltering.
The problem was that Hermione had her back to him…and the thirsty vampires…still battling the wolves…
Hermione could feel the thirst coming from the vampires, and the fact that they had reached to Harry's barrier…but she had two more damn werewolves to kill.
With an enraged cry she decapitated the first and cut the other one in two. Blood was covering her hands and part of her face, but she didn't care. Turning around, she quickly vanished her sword and prepared to use more magic than she had ever used.
About fifteen vampires were already circling Harry's protection shield, clawing or punching at it and hissing at Harry.
Without saying anything, she started throwing balls of fire at them. By the time they understood what was going on, she had already discarded of half of them. She was getting tired, but there were too many of them yet, and there was also Bellatrix to deal with.
The bitch just couldn't take a hint, could she?
Hermione's hands started trembling a little as the cold was starting to make itself noticed and she urged her spells to act faster. It wasn't easy, with their speed…but if they made eye contact with her for the smallest moment, she could know which way they were headed, giving her a big amount of advantage.
The smell was almost making her gag. Burnt flesh mixed with fresh blood wasn't a nice present for Valentine's day, now was it?
Valentine's day.
'Bloody hell…' Hermione groaned. She hadn't even thought of Severus. He had been there when she and Harry disappeared, meaning, he was going insane with worry by now…as was the whole DA.
No matter, as soon as they were over with this, they could resume their day…after they answered to Dumbledore that is.
What the hell could they tell him?
Already enraged beyond any calming level, Hermione lowered the fiery wall as soon as the vampires were dead, and turned to Bellatrix.
Oh, she was angry alright. Had she been a cartoon, she could have had a very red face and smoke coming out of her ears.
The cold was getting stronger and Hermione thought in horror that maybe Harry couldn't apparate them back, or send for help since they didn't know where they were.
''Any more surprises Bella? Does Voldemort even know where you are at the moment? Killing the best part of his army? Tut tut Bella. He'll be very angry with you.'' Hermione started baiting her, more in the hopes that she wouldn't notice the slight tremble that was slowly taking control of her body.
''Don't you dare say his name, you unworthy mudblood. We still have a chance…'' Bella roared and started looking around frantically. There were still five or six vampires at her side but they were looking at Hermione in both shock and awe.
''Go get her you idiots. What are you waiting for.''
These last ones were bigger than the others she had killed, and she was sure they were also faster. Without any sort of warning, one of them started speeding towards her. Having her vision a bit blurred, Hermione was slow in her reactions, and the vampire managed to throw her into a tree with a kick in the stomach.
Bellatrix, as expected, had started laughing, and she could hear Harry shouting her name and different spells at the same time. The problem was that he was moving towards her.
''Harry…stay….where…you are…'' Hermione managed to say between gasps, as blood started coming to her mouth.
'Beautiful…' Hermione thought, '…internal bleeding…'
Struggling to her feet, she leaned as much as she could on the tree behind her and started whispering something. Waving her hand once in a circling movement, rings of fire started shooting out of her palm and settled around each vampire, cutting them in pieces and burning them to ashes.
Narrowing her eyes at Bellatrix, she spoke in a low, dangerous tone. ''I'm leaving you alive only to have Voldemort kill you. If he doesn't, I'm sure Harry here will have the pleasure soon enough.''
''The Dark Lord would never kill me. I'm his most loyal and prized follower.'' Bellatrix sneered.
''Want to bet on that?'' Hermione smirked and sent a slicing hex at her. Bellatrix dodged it and quickly disappeared.
Hermione blinked and returned to her normal form.
The moment she lowered Harry's shield, he bolted towards her and gathered her in his arms.
''It's ok Mione. I'm taking you home.'' Harry knew by now what was happening to her, and he knew she needed warmth immediately. Closing his eyes, he clearly pictured Hogwarts and dissaparated.
A/N: It's longer than the usual, but I think you deserve a reward... Liked it? Hated it? Leave me your thoughts, or any idea you might have. Thank you all.