Chapter 03

Seconds till Impact

Harry sat staring out the window of his new room, as the snow fell into the dark air around the cabin that was now the Granger's and Harry's new home. It was quiet outside the cabin, indeed much quieter than Harry had ever been used to. Harry though, found it peaceful rather than oppressive as he once might have. As it was a nice reminder that he was free of his old life and family. No more Dursleys, not more Hogwarts, and no more Dumbledore.

In the weeks since the first task, Harry along with the Granger's had up and moved from England to the States. They had picked out a place in Colorado, with a large mountain side cabin with three floors. The top floor was taken up entirely by Hermione's parents, and held their office bedroom and a master bathroom. The middle floor was the main living area, kitchen, dining room, plus two guest bedrooms. One of which Sirius had currently claimed as his own. The basement, was split into two bedrooms, one of which was supposed to be used by Hermione, and the other by Harry. Hedwig's perch was kept on the second floor, which had a balcony she could use without issue. While Crookshanks was allowed to just wander the house as he had always done.

Harry sensed Hermione coming up behind him, before her arms wrapped tightly around his own body. He felt her lean her chin on his shoulder, as she stared out the window watching the snow slowly fall. The bond had still not faded since he had lost his magic, but neither had it felt as if it had gotten any stronger. They were still hesitant about if it would fade or build, as it was only really supplied by Hermione's own magic now. Still for the moment they drew comfort from it and each other.

"Going to be weird," Hermione said softly as she held Harry.

"A little," Harry agreed, turning slowly around so he could hold her.

Hermione leaned into the hug, and gave a contented sigh as he held her close. Harry could still see the bags under her eyes, and the strain in her mind from lack of sleep. Even now, nearly eight weeks later, Hermione still had a hard time sleeping alone. The only way she could get through an entire night, was to stay with Harry all night. By herself she would still awake to nightmares that left her near tears, though she was no longer left in the blind panic she had been. It was the reason Harry and Hermione were in the basement, as then the Granger parents could act as if Harry and Hermione were sleeping in different beds even when they often in the same bed.

"We are free. And I will never leave you again," Harry whispered, as much for Hermione's benefit as his own.

Hermione nodded silently, as Harry continued to hold onto Hermione. He knew deep down that it would be months if not years before she recovered fully from what had happened. She had been completely helpless both times. Being unable to fight the compulsion while also being fully aware was enough to leave most people questioning themselves. And the second time having to wait out that dreadful day barely two weeks later was in many ways just as bad. Mental wounds like that took time to heal, and sometimes they never truly healed either.

Harry was only spared the worse, because he had broken through and saved her. Nor was it him waiting for Hermione's fate to be decided during the first task but his own. He still suffered nightmares where he had failed to save her, but more often than not, these were caused by Hermione's own nightmares casting a shadow into his own dreams. It was hard for both of them, yet they knew it would only be a matter of time before they could finally heal fully.

"Come on, it is almost Christmas," Harry said, rubbing Hermione back in a slow soothing motion, "And this year, we get to both spend it with your parents. And even go skiing, I think that is something worth celebrating."

Hermione gave him a small smile, and kissed his cheek, "Yeah… your right."

Harry returned the kiss, lightly kissing her forehead in return. He so longed to truly kiss her, yet with the tournament still hanging over him. He still did not wish to risk the bond forming fully, only to have it snatched away because the cup still somehow thought he was still competing. They both hated how it limited their affection, even now, for each other. But both could see neither was emotional stable enough to deal with a full bond being snapped like that. Even what little they did have being snapped could still be nearly fatal to them.

With that, Harry and Hermione went upstairs as it was time for supper. Supper tended to be a quiet affair for the group at the moment. Mostly because they were all drained for the near constant mess that they were in. Moving was not easy, even more so when they were moving clean out of the country. Sirius and Gringotts were able to help to help a lot with making them citizen, skipping a lot of the normal red tape that came with that process. Still, selling their dentistry, selling their house and packing was not a simple thing to do. Even once they had found a house they all wanted, and even after arriving, there was still a fair bit effort still needed to be unpack and sorted through.

Emma was the first to break the silence that night, "Harry, Hermione. We were thinking about what to do about schooling. And decided it might be best, if we homeschooled the both of you. At least for the time being."

"Why is that?" Harry asked, his curiosity mirroring Hermione's own.

"Several reasons," Emma said, "The main three, is we still don't know how safe it is for either of you yet. At least not till Sirius has a chance to look around to see if there are any local witches or wizards. Second, while we would like to enroll you into normal schooling, it is likely both of you are behind where you should be. And it is easier to get you caught up privately than come up with a cover story that would not likely hold up to anyone looking into it. Third, timing, starting halfway through the year, will be hard enough as without adding all the other messes on top of it lessons you might need to catch up on."

Harry nodded his agreement as Hermione added, "I don't think we are really ready to be around others just yet either."

"Yes, that was something else we discussed," Dan admitted giving Hermione a sympathetic look.

It was not the large groups that would be a problem, but rather Hermione's need for affection or at least closeness to Harry that would cause the problem. She, and to a similar degree Harry had become rather clingy for the other. Often this showed as them being close together, while other times they would be constantly holding hands. It was not as the first week after the task when the pair was almost unwilling to be separated for anything longer than a bathroom break. But still, the near constant need for closeness would be hard to explain away in a school setting where such displays would be frowned upon. It was clear that they would be more like a normal teenage couple in a few more month, but for now staying apart for hours, even while in the same room would drive the pair crazy.

"As such, we have decided homeschooling would be wise," Emma finished.

"I can agree with that," Harry said, and Hermione nodded in agreement.

"While we are at it, I am going to be teaching you magic as well. Both of you," Sirius said, catching the pairs attention.

"But I don't have magic anymore," Harry pointed out, glancing at Hermione who clearly was as confused as he was.

"We don't know that for sure," Sirius pointed out, "The bond you to have has not begun to fade. And if anything, I think has grown stronger. You too are getting better at sensing and reading the others thoughts and emotions. If you have not noticed it, we have."

"It could just be me giving the bond more magic to make up for the lack of Harry's own magic," Hermione pointed out, though Harry and Hermione could see Sirius did seem to be correct.

They were much more aware of the other than they had been before this had all started. Harry and Hermione could sense where the other was now, something they had not been able to before. They could also feel the much more subtle thoughts and emotions letting Harry or Hermione more often guess what the other needed. It was hardly surprising they had not noticed these things as they were still working through the trauma of the first task and Dumbledore's attack.

"It might be all Hermione's doing yes," Sirius admitted, but he was smiling still, "However, the bonds like that can only grow stronger it both of you are feeding it magic. IF it was just Hermione, the best you both could have hoped for was to keep the bond as strong as it had been."

"So, what are you saying," Harry said, though he could already sense Hermione connecting the dots, yet he wanted to hear it said by Sirius.

"It is a bit of a guess," Sirius said looking a bit sheepish, "But binding magical contracts, are not as binding as most would lead you to believe. You see, your magic, just like who you are as a person does change over time. And most contracts that are signed in ink, only sample your magic. However, should you change the nature of your magic enough the binding will stop working. This is why most contracts require blood as part of the signing, as your blood will rarely change enough to let you slip free."

"So, your saying because of the bond and how we have both changed since my name was put in the Goblet, it has already begun to lose its hold on me?" Harry asked.

"Not entirely. I am saying because of your changes you are both free of the Goblet's contract. However, as you change and grow so does the magic you have access to. With Hermione feeding the bond, she might also be feeding the magic within you as well. Meaning, given enough time through your own growth and Hermione additional magic, you could become just as powerful as you would have been, if you magic had not been taken. Something we can see happening as the bond has grown stronger," Sirius explained.

Harry was grinning now as was Hermione. They had both been willing to give up magic up till that point. Harry because he simply could not do it, Hermione because she did not want to continue learning while Harry was left behind. Yet, it seemed there was a new chance of hope for the pair. If Harry could really use magic again, that meant that all their time at Hogwarts had not entirely been without merit. Though even then, they would never say they regretted going to the school, as that would have meant they regretted meeting each other.

"I think I can live with that," Harry said smiling in a way he had not been able to for a while, with Hermione likewise looking happier than she had been for a while as well.

"You might need to relearn to control your magic," Sirius warned, but he did not seem to concerned about this.

"I learned to cast the Patronus Charm before my fourth year," Harry pointed out, a determined glint in his eye, "If I can do that. Getting used to my magic again will be a cake walk by comparison."

"Ten says he blows up something," Emma said, getting a giggle from Hermione, and a squawk of indignation from Harry.

"I say he sets it on fire, and Hermione has to put it out," Dan countered, getting groan from Harry, as Hermione's giggles threatened to become laugher.

"I raise you to twenty, and say it is both. Fire followed by explosion," Sirius said as Hermione finally began laughing as Harry simply glared at the three adults.

Not that any of them cared, not even Harry. Harry might be annoyed with the three, but it was honestly worth it seeing and hearing Hermione laugh again. If it meant a little bit of his pride took a hit to see her like this, it was a small price he would happily pay. Though he had to admit, when they three shook hands over the bet, he would have to find some way of repaying them late. Either for the small bit of wounded pride, or getting such joy from Hermione. Or both.

Dinner was soon finished without issue, and the groups soon separated. Sirius to clean up, while the rest got settled in for the night. Harry and Hermione were once more in the basement, enjoying some quiet time together. For the first time in a while, they were enjoying just cuddling together as Hermione read aloud. Which like Sirius news was a refreshing feel to just want to be near the other rather than needing the other by them.

Harry listened happily as Hermione read, their minds providing a movie in which they both could watch at the same time. The bond was a marvel indeed to the pair as they tested the new limits they had not realized had been made. Not everything they thought or felt slipped to the other, but it was much closure than it had been. And when their eyes were closed, and they felt for the other, they could almost feel everything the other was sensing. The bond had indeed grown greatly.

As Hermione finished the chapter. The pair called it a night, and got ready for bed. Though before they climbed into Harry's bed for that night. Harry walked over to where his and Hermione's wands sat in the window sill. He hesitated, feeling Hermione watching him with interest. He wanted to know what Sirius was said was true, yet worried that it was not possible.

Stealing himself, Harry grabbed up his wand. Unlike all the other times he had grabbed it, warmth suffused his fingers. He did not even need to cast a spell to know, what this meant. Yet, he still cast a spell just one to prove that his powers were truly not lost forever.

"Lumos!"

The light the wand gave off was feeble. Indeed, it was weaker than any spell Harry had cast during his first year at Hogwarts. Yet the glow was still there, unmistakably there. He could feel the magic within him being used once more. It was faint, and the spell quickly sputtered. Yet, it was a sign that he would indeed be able to use magic sometime in the future.

He felt Hermione's arms wrap once more around him, her happiness almost infectious as his own. He spun around and pulled her into a hug and spun her into the air as he held her. She laughed, again enjoying the rush of joy and pleasure of hope and relief. And as he sat her back down, he kissed her cheek, a favor she returned.

As they curled up in Harry's bed, they pair was soon fast asleep. Their dreams were for the first time completely calm and relaxed. Peace for the first time since their accident was finally returning to their lives. They were not out of the woods yet, and so much of their lives lay before them. But for now, they felt as if they not completely lost in the world anymore.

Amelia's own last few weeks by comparison were just as headache inducing and messy as Hermione and Harry's own. Oh, she had thought she was at least partly ready for the mess she would find, yet each time she thought she got to the bottom of the mud pond that was Dumbledore's messes. She found yet more mud that needed to be remove.

It had started simply enough, remove Albus Dumbledore and pump the guy full of enough Truth Potion to make even a Goblin reveal their secrets. Then find out how deep the rabbit hole went so they could fix it. Investigating Fudge likewise should have been easy as well, as Cornelius Fudge was being extremely helpful in hopes to avoid a harsh backlash from the public. Yet the longer the pair were out of office, the more troubles cropped up.

Fudge's troubles were in many ways simple, things Amelia knew to expect. Laws that had to be looked over. Paper work that needed to be signed. And petitions that needed to be heard so they could be brought before the Wizengamot. As Fudge was accused of overstepping his bounds, he could not even do these tasks anymore. So, Amelia had to get someone who could help cover for him till his investigation was done.

Amelia made sure to pull someone from outside Fudge's personal staffing choice, as their appointments were all of Fudge's own decisions. Nor did Amelia trust someone like Deloris Umbridge with that kind of power. When the woman already somehow wielded much more power than what was essentially a glorified messenger boy, should have. As such, Amelia pulled another Department head that was not currently busy with fallout. Arthur Weasley. He might not have a clean track record, but he was a hard worker and could at least keep things moving through the office. Nor was he as likely to take a bribe as some other department heads were.

That handled, Amelia then could focus all her attention on the swamp that was Hogwarts. At first, she thought all she would have to deal with was Dumbledore's mess. Removing him, of course had its own issues, as he was the Leader of the Wizengamot, a diplomate for international affairs, and in charge of Hogwarts. But each of those systems had procedures in place should Dumbledore not be able to perform his job. Thomas Greengrass now took Dumbledore's roll in the Wizengamot, while international affairs was covered by Augusta Longbottom. That left Hogwarts, which would be covered by Professor Minerva McGonagall.

In Dumbledore's interviews, thing had come to light that were downright frightening. Mostly that he had been neglecting his duties far more often than he should have to focus his attentions on Harry Potter and Voldemort. The latter of which, Dumbledore knew to be very much alive. Amelia had personally questioned him for hours finding out all his plans, and knowledge. Which was to say, quite a lot as the man had dozens of plans and strategies for making sure Voldemort finally died. All of which included Harry dying as well at some point, hopefully in a sacrifice play that might give those still fighting Voldemort and his followers some form of protection.

To top it off, Dumbledore knew Voldemort had used at least one Horcrux to stay alive, and had not come to her at once about it. While yes, telling everyone how he had done it was not wise. That is what oaths were for, and with the Aurors and Unspeakables they could have at least had a start at finding them before Voldemort make his second push for power. Yet, Dumbledore also did not seem without hope, as he had theorized the scream, they had nearly all heard, was from those Horcruxes failing.

It was about the end of the time she finished her interview with Dumbledore things began to go crazy. Alastor Moody was found to be not who he said he was, but was actually Barty Crouch's son hidden under Polyjuice. Which lead to another investigation and arrest that needed to be made, questioning both Barty Crouch and his son just how he had escaped. Before these could be completed, Amelia had to head to Hogwarts to deal with tensions there.

Lucius Malfoy's son Draco Malfoy had caused a scene. Calling him a moron for what he did was almost to kind of a term for the mess he had caused. The fool had taunted the Gryffindor house for their lost. Seemingly because he was too happy to realize his own peril. It did not matter they were near the Potion's class. It did not matter both Professor Snape and an Auror were nearby. The absolute imbecilic seemingly suicidal boy, had mouthed off and expected no reaction.

What he got was enough spells cast his way that Saint Mungo was now in charge of his recovery. When Snape and the Auror tried to find out what had happened, not one Slytherin seemed to be willing to answer. Even Snape and the Auror were both a little weary of from the looks they saw on the Gryffindor students faces. They were forced to let the students go, with a massive point deduction as their warning.

However, the damage was done already, and the flood gates had opened. Amelia learned anyone who had been wearing one of the 'Support Cedric Digory' badges was being attacked and cursed to the point they needed a stay in Saint Mungo. This was because the badges could also change and say 'Potter Stinks.' Gryffindor was out for blood, and no one, not even the Aurors could halt what Draco had so unwisely unleashed.

Even Amelia was a little worried how far this would go. For the person who spoke up had left the school teachers and student speechless. Both because of who had said it, but also what he said. She had confronted the students after the first incident and she could still remember Neville's response. No one had spoken in the Great Hall after she had questioned them, and everyone had been sitting silently unwilling to speak till Neville had stood up.

"I do not know why you are asking or even care. Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin's and the rest of the school have bullied and tormented Harry since his name came out of the Goblet. Yet no one did anything, no punishment was given out. No more, we are taking Justice back into our own hands, and revisiting the wrongs done to Harry and our house back upon them. If you want to stop us, you better lock us All up right now, because we will have our revenge upon the other three houses!"

The roar of agreement from Gryffindor house as they stood up in unison to show their support was scary. Not one person in the other three houses, though they outnumbered Gryffindor almost three to one looked like they were even willing to try and fight back. The entire house had then left the Great Hall. Leaving without permission or Amelia's allowance to go. Amelia knew that containing what had happened was already too late. As indeed the number of attacks soon proved that no one was safe from Gryffindor's wrath even if a teacher and Auror were about.

Which left Amelia where she was currently, a few days before the Yule Ball would take place. Over half the students had spent a week or two at Saint Mungo to be cured after their attacks. And some like Draco had made repeat visits as it seemed their hatred of the kid went well beyond the need for just one attack. Her only small bit of peace was that the students had not targeted anyone who had not worn one of the badges, nor had any of the students below second year been touched either.

Still, there was no sign that this would stop until those in Gryffindor house felt they had indeed revisited their grievance upon everyone they felt had a hand in driving Harry away. Amelia could not even hope to imagine what would happen if Dumbledore was somehow stupid enough to return to the school. As it he could be like Draco, but she had also seen how they treated one of their own who had displeased them. Ron Weasley, who had seemingly abandoned his friend, Harry, after Harry's name had come out of the Goblet.

While no one had attacked Ron, or done anything to him. Neither was anyone willing to be around or near the boy either. Amelia guessed the only reason he had not been attacked was because he had admitted he had done something wrong. And his punishment was being unofficially sanctioned by the rest of the house. In short, they despised him, and he was taking it all in stride. What that meant for Dumbledore, if he was lucky or more likely unlucky enough to return to the school, she could only guess.

Since then, the school had been under constant Auror and Law enforcement supervision to try and maintain some level of control. Each of the teachers were reassess, and Amelia could already see she would have to replace some of them as well. The only reason some like Snape was still in his position was she had not yet found someone she could easily slide into the job. As Snape, though he clearly knew what he was doing potion wise. Had a very skewed view of reality, not helped by the fact he was ordered to stay friendly with the Slytherin's by Dumbledore.

Amelia sighed as she signed yet another paper, feeling like this mess had last reached its peak. It was nearly Christmas and nothing else had so far appear. True, she was still fighting to regain control of everything, but at least nothing else had been added, and they were slowly regaining control of everything. Even the attacks at Hogwarts were on the downswing. When Tonks came into Amelia's office, she looked up.

The Auror was looking distinctly subdued since the events of the First task. Her powers barely seemed to work, and her performance was suffering. Amelia felt for her, and had given Tonks light duty till the witch could figure out her life. Though today she was looking a little more cheerful than she had been, which meant either good news or another headache for Amelia. If she was really unlucky, both.

"Madam Bones, we have some new news," Tonks said sounding closer to her normal self than she had been in a while.

"What did we find?" Amelia asked.

Tonks almost chuckled, "Well, it seems every former Death Eater, has lost access to his or her magic. Or at least all of those who were marked. We found this out when the raid was preformed to bring Voldemort, Peter, and the snake into custody. Neither Voldemort or Peter were able to use any spells. We decided to check if any other marked Death Eaters had lost their magic, and they had as well. Neither Professor Snape, or Barty Crouch Jr. can use any magic."

Amelia looked stunned as she stared at Tonks, "So none of the marked Death eaters can use magic at all?"

"So far as we can tell no. Though most of them are likely hiding this as to not appear weak," Tonks answered.

Amelia nodded as she realized this explained to a degree the absences of those who have up till this point been regular visits to the Ministry or the Daily Prophet. While they might not need to make regular displays of even small magic, the simple chance that they might not be able to cast a simple spell could damage their reputation. Those like the Malfoy's, once it became publicly know only those with the mark had lost their magic, would lose much of their political power as well. This also made her wonder about some of the other people around the office who had been dodging duties lately. Were they just being lazy or was it a lack of magic?

"What do you want us to do?" Tonks asked.

"For right now, nothing. No one is going to make a scene about losing their magic unless they can blame it on someone else. Keep everyone focused on removing Voldemort's anchors. I want that bastard dead first," Amelia said, and Tonks gave small nod.

"Understood," Tonks said but Amelia did not dismiss her yet.

"Miss Tonks, once we are done with this. I am going to give you a few weeks off for a special assignment. Dumbledore reckons that if Harry is still alive, he would be with the Grangers as Hermione Granger was who he was bonding with. We had someone finally figure out where the Granger's lived. And the house it seems was sold a month ago. We could not get any other details, no forward address or anything. Not one of their former coworkers know where they moved to either. Some say France, others Australia, and even a few thought the States. We sadly do not have the man power to spare on chase, but I think I rather know for sure how their story ended," Amelia said.

"Do you want me to bring them back?" Tonks asked cautiously.

"No, just confirm what happened," Amelia answered wanting more information than anything, "I will explain more at a later date. Once Voldemort is taken care of. Till then, we should keep focused on him. But I want you on high alert in case you hear anything that might help us find the Grangers or Harry."

"I will do what I can boss," Tonks answered and Amelia dismissed her.

She could see a little bit of Tonks normal spirit returning. Amelia did not want to give Tonks a false hope, which is why she did not share everything just yet. Dumbledore, sure seemed to think Harry would die within a few months. However, Harry had survived much worse already, and if anyone would make it out alive of that mess it was Harry. Amelia looked back down at the papers, her face becoming set as she decided it was time to make a few statements. With Dumbledore's confession under truth potion, it was time to make an example that no one was above the law. Not even old war heroes.

( Chapter 3 down. Only 2 more parts to go. Not much for me to say, as more to really say next chapter.

Anyway Espo You. Leave your thoughts and reviews down below. Bye)