Chapter 49: Christmas Day

The dark magic slowly started to fade away from the structure as he approached it. He could feel his pulse starting to rise. So close now. Another simple wave of his hand caused for the front door to blast open, leaving nothing but tiny bits of shredded wood. The corridor led down towards another closed door. There was also a broken staircase to the right. Before taking another step, the intruder took a long and deep breath, closing his eyes. He could feel the magic surging through him, as he trained to do so. This allowed him to locate magic outside of his body too. Anything or anyone magical could be very easily located with his mind. There it was. Those tiny beaming slithers of light echoing through the walls. They were coming from that hallway. Upstairs was completely empty. His targets were all downstairs, waiting for their death. That's when he heard whispers, which only confirmed their location. A very tiny smile appeared under the hood of his cloak as he took the very first step inside the house, which would soon be reduced to rubble.

25th December 1998

"Harry?" Came a familiar voice.

"Mrs Weasley!" Harry responded as he shook himself out of his reverie. "Are you okay?"

"Of course, I am. Harry dear, I came out here to see if you were. You've been sitting out here for almost an hour now. Are you not cold at all?" She asked.

Harry took a quick moment to study himself. He was sitting on the edge of his rock-built garden fence, staring into the snowy mountain horizon far beyond the lands of the Potter manor. Now that he focused on it, he could not feel his bottom at all. "You know what, Mrs Weasley? I think you might be onto something." He chuckled.

"That's exactly what I was thinking!" She mused. "Now don't get me wrong I know you enjoy your own company, but you were starting to get us worried back there. It's the middle of winter and I'd hate to see you catch some nasty cold."

It always escaped Harry just how much of a Mother Mrs Weasley had been to him all these years. He couldn't be anymore grateful for having met her and her wonderful family. It brought him back to that very first moment he met them at King's Cross on his first departure to Hogwarts. He would not have gotten far without the Weasleys. However, Mrs Granger also made a big effort to make him feel cared for these days.

"Yeah, you're right, Mrs Weasley, we should probably head back inside soon." He answered, smiling.

"Yes, that's a very good idea. Although," she paused for a second, and sat next to him on the fence, "I did want to speak with you about something."

Harry wondered if she was about to finally about approach him about Ginny.

"It's about the gift you got me for Christmas."

That surprised him. "Oh. You don't like it?"

"No, no. Do not get me wrong Harry I am very happy with the recipe book. I absolutely cannot wait to give those interesting muggle dishes a try. I was more interested in the cheque on chapter seven. You know what cheque I'm talking about, right?"

A cheque for one-hundred thousand galleons signed by Harry Potter for Mrs Molly Weasley to be used for food, clothing, education resources for her children and pretty much any leisure or expenses she deems suitable. Holidays, new house, new car, retirement. Anything. Harry originally wanted to make the cheque larger, but a part of him knew the larger the sum, the lesser the chance of Mr and Mrs Weasley actually accepting it.

"Ah, yes. It's part of the gift. Some of those muggle dishes are not very cheap to make." Harry shrugged, knowing full well Mrs Weasley will press him further.

"Harry, that cheque… Why on Earth would you gift that to me?" She demanded.

"It's for the whole family. Like I stated on the cheque itself. You can use it for whatever you like. It is yours to use. You can consider it a gift as well as a symbol of thanks for all the years you have looked after me."

"But Harry, you know I never needed or wanted anything back for that. You've always been like a son to me. You are basically Ron's brother. Just not ginger." She smiled at him, "We never wanted anything back. Simply having you around and being Ronald's best friend was payment enough. You really do not understand just how happy you had made him all these years. Every single summer he would come back from Hogwarts and tell us just how much of an amazing year he had thanks to you. And it made us so happy knowing he had found a companion." She explained to him.

Suddenly, Harry didn't feel so cold anymore. He could feel the blood return to his face. Mrs Weasley's words meant a lot to him. More than he could explain.

"Thank you, Mrs Weasley. But you need to understand that I did this because I wanted to. Truly the amount I have given you hardly made the smallest dent in the overall wealth I have inherited. And it makes me so much happier knowing some of that money can go to an honest and good family rather than sit and collect dust in my vault. Please, do not reject that cheque. It would mean a lot to me if you could use it to take your family on Holiday. Buy Mr Weasley a nice car, really anything you desire to use it for. As long as you promise to not return it." Harry pressed.

Mrs Weasley studied him for a good while. Wind whistled between them as they sat there amongst the snow.

"I will need to discuss it with Arthur. I haven't told anyone about it yet." She eventually told him.

Harry smiled, "I'm sure he'll understand just as you have. Thank you."

Mrs Weasley smiled back at him, before cupping his face in her gloved hands, "Harry, I know that you have had a few complications with my daughter, as well as with Ronald, but I hope you forever remember this; no matter the day or the hour, the Weasley house will always be open to you. There will always be a spare room for you to sleep in, a spare plate for you to eat from, and a pair of arms to hold you tight when you need it. You will forever be part of the Weasley family. Please, don't ever forget that."

"I won't" Harry answered, and then they shared a long hug, one which he would cherish forever.

"But seriously, we are going inside now. Or else we'll freeze to death." Mrs Weasley informed.

Upon entering the living room, Harry's eyes widened as he stared at the piles of shredded gift wrapping everywhere. Beamey was doing her absolute best, flicking her fingers furiously at every pile, trying to stay on top of the growing mess. He was scanning the room for the one person he really wanted to see right now, but she was not here.

And then came a knockout worthy hug from Ron, almost blasting Harry into the ground.

"A FIREBOLT! A FREAKING FIREBOLT! POTTER ARE YOU SERIOUS!" Ron shouted into Harry's shoulder.

"I know I'm sorry, I could not find the Supreme. I tried everywhere; I swear." Harry pleaded.

Ron broke out their hug and stared at him, "Mate. You just gifted me a Firebolt. I have no idea what to say. Are you sure?"

Harry smiled, "Of course. What are you still doing here? I was expecting you to be flying around my garden half hour ago."

Ron beamed as he grabbed the broom and headed for the garden, "You just wait."

That was the last they'd see of him until dinner.

Harry remained in the living room for a little bit, allowing for everyone to give him feedback on their gifts. Hagrid was absolutely thrilled at his newest edition of 'Book of monsters' paired with a book about dragons he found at Flourish and Blots along with a fresh tea set. But Harry knew he still had no idea one of the pages contained a letter with a scheduled delivery for a brand-new muggle motorbike. It was going to be sent to Mr Weasley's house for some magical advancement beforehand.

"Thank ye' Harry." Hagrid cried as he wiped at his eyes.

Harry glanced over at the Grangers who seemed to be having a great time answering all of Mr Weasley's burning questions about muggle 'stuff'. Bill and Fleur were busy admiring the Christmas tree which Harry and Hermione had only just managed to finish decorating last night. Memories of the previous afternoon flashed before him.

"No no, a bit more to the right." Hermione ordered as Harry moved one of many ornaments for the hundredth time. "Like this?"

Hermione nodded, "Perfect. Now give me a hand with these lights."

Their hands joined as they tangled the lights carefully around the tree, occasionally stealing glances and smiles at each other. Eventually, Harry couldn't stop himself as he rounded the tree and attacked Hermione with kisses.

"You know, the guests are arriving soon, and we are never going to finish at this pace." Hermione informed, although there was clear enjoyment present in her voice.

"I could do this with you forever." He answered happily. It truly was the best Christmas he'd ever had.

Harry then spoke with George and the rest of the Weasleys before finally asking Beamey about Hermione.

"She was upstairs, last time Beamey saw her."

Harry was glad Beamey had finally stopped using 'Master' when referring to him. It felt nice. He hurried up the stairs and arrived at their bedroom.

There she was. Sitting on the bed, her back towards the entrance. It looked like she was… crying?

"Hermione, you okay?" Harry asked as he approached.

She remained as she was. He approached slowly, and then saw her from the side. She was holding the letter he wrote her in her hands. Attached to it, a promise ring. One he had purchased himself from Gringotts. It was made of the finest materials from deep within the Goblin mines. Crafted from the purest pink diamond.

Harry didn't want to be there in person when she opened the gift. He wanted her to read his letter instead. As in the moment, his emotions would be running high.

She raised her eyes from the letter to him.

"Harry. This letter."

"I meant every word." He insisted.

She paused and then carefully placed the gift on the nightstand. Before grabbing hold of him and dragging him onto their bed. She started to furiously kiss his face. It was quite wet. Her tears made him shiver as they got rubbed against his cheeks. But he enjoyed them as it was happy tears. He hoped.

She nestled her face into his neck. "Thank you." She whispered, in between deep breaths.

"It's just simple words, my love. Things I've felt for a very long time. Things that were always a little hard to say on the spot." He explained.

She looked up at him, with puffy red eyes. "You are the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me."

He smiled at her, "Likewise, Miss Granger."

"One day to be Mrs Potter." She quoted from the letter, before burying her face in his neck again.

"One beautiful day, yes." He added.

"Harry, do you think we could stay here like this. Just for a little while." She asked.

"Just a little bit, until dinner maybe." He answered, smiling into her hair, enjoying its marvellous smell.

"Yes. That sounds perfect. Oh. I almost forgot. Outside of all the clothes I got you. There is one more little gift."

Harry lifted a brow "Oh really? Where is it?"

"Well, it's not going to be that easy. You must earn it first." She informed, crafting a wide smile on Harry's face.

An hour had passed and now they were both bare under the covers. Clothes forgotten somewhere near the bed. She was running her fingers over his face, drawing random shapes.

"You know, your beard is really starting to get spiky. You don't want to shave it?" She asked.

Harry thought about it for a while, "I don't know. Should I try growing one?"

She giggled, "If you like. I don't mind."

"Well, I'll do whatever you like. I only want to look good for you, my love. Nothing else matters to me."

She smiled, "Let's wait a little longer. I want to keep seeing that handsome face before it gets covered up in some bushy beard."

"Will you shave it for me then?" He asked playfully.

"That's quite the task, Mr Potter. Are you certain? What if I cut you?"

"I trusted you with my life for so many years. No point questioning it now." He chuckled, as he ran his hand across her back. It was so smooth and soft. He loved every single inch of her precious body. He knew he'd worship it until the end of his days.

Hermione sighed, "I suppose we ought to go back downstairs."

"We have been rather disrespectful towards our guests." Harry smirked.

They shared a quick shower before getting dressed and headed back down to the living room. With one new addition, Hermione's ring finger now had a beautiful pink diamond ring on it.

"Harry, there you are!" Called Mr Weasley who stood from the sofa at once. "May I please borrow you for just a minute?"

Harry nodded as he followed Mr Weasley into the kitchen, right after giving Hermione a quick peck on the cheek, his way of saying 'be back soon.'

The kitchen still had a lovely aroma hanging in the air after all the cooking Beamey had done in there all morning.

"Listen, Harry. I've been meaning to ask about your plans post-Hogwarts." Mr Weasley informed.

Harry knew this was coming sooner or later. Mr Weasley was recently promoted at the Ministry. Afterall, he played a big part in the war. He was now not only the head of the Misuse of muggle artefacts department, but also one of the senior head members of the Magical Law Enforcement alongside Gawain Robards. He now overlooked most of the assignments aurors were sent out on.

"Well…" Harry started, "I suppose I still wish to be an Auror. At least for a while. I'd like to help the ministry hunt down any remaining death eaters and make sure the ministry itself is safe and protected.

Mr Weasley's face lit up at his answer as he patted Harry on the shoulder, "That really is great news, Harry. See, I have tried my best to keep your final year at Hogwarts as peaceful and hassle free as possible, but I cannot hide that we really need you at the ministry."

Harry wondered what exactly he would be needed for, it seemed as though Mr Weasley was reading his mind.

"After the war, it has been rather difficult re-staffing the ministry after almost half of it ended up being Voldemort's supporters. Azkaban numbers are at an all-time high and there's simply not enough wands and far too many missions. The reason we need you so much, is because I'm certain if word spreads that Harry Potter has joined the aurors, more people will come forward and sign up." Mr Weasley explained.

"Are people not coming forward now?" Harry asked, curious.

Mr Weasley shook his head sadly, "You'd think the fall of Voldemort would encourage people to come back, but the wizarding world is still quite scared. Kingsley is doing all he can as minister, but it has been rather difficult persuading communities that it's safe to leave their homes again."

Come to think of it, Harry did notice Hogwarts was not quite as populated as it used to be the year before. "I don't understand, what is there to fear? Death Eaters abandoned Voldemort during the final stand, any who were left have either been put in Azkaban or are being hunted."

"I wish it was so simple, Harry." Mr Weasley answered. "You must remember, this is not the first time Voldemort has been defeated. You and I both know as do many that this time he is gone for good, but not everyone was present at Hogwarts during the war. Compared to the entire wizarding word, only a small handful of people were there in person to actually see him fall. People are still frightened. Worried that it could be simple propaganda. Especially after everything Fudge did during his time at the Ministry. To put is simply, the world just does not trust the ministry like it used to."

It all made sense, and yet. To a certain degree, it angered Harry. "Well then, I'll come to the Ministry. I'll tell them myself how it happened. I'll join the aurors and assist in finding the last of what's left of Voldemort's army." Harry argued.

Mr Weasley smiled at Harry, "I'm glad to hear that, Harry. Listen. Everyone at the order has made a promise that we will do our best to shield you from all politics until you are ready to join yourself. I would say it'd be best you finished your final year at Hogwarts. Complete your NEWTs, and then we can talk again."

Harry nodded, "Are you certain you do not need me now? It seems rather urgent."

Mr Weasley shook his head, "Harry. You have done more for the magical world than it could ever repay you. The least you deserve is to finish your education in peace. Enjoy school as much as you can. And once you are ready, once you feel prepared, you can join the ministry. Help us run the world you saved."

"The world WE saved." Harry corrected.

"The world we saved." Mr Weasley corrected himself, smiling at Harry. "Your parents would be so immensely proud of you. I hope you know that, Harry."

Harry nodded, "In a way, all of this is thanks to them."

They slowly made their way out of the kitchen, when Mr Weasley pulled Harry closer one last time and whispered, "Please Harry, do not mention any of this to Kingsley, as far as I am aware he would have wanted you at the Ministry six months ago. But all of us who know you dearly agreed you deserved a rest. He's a politician now you see, he sees things from a slightly different perspective." Harry didn't know what to make of this but nodded.

"That's rather nice of the order to act like that. Keeping you out of it all until you are ready." Said Hermione, a few hours later.

The guests had all left now. It was just the two of them sitting comfortably on the sofa. Hermione had just heard everything Mr Weasley and Harry spoke of. Harry would never keep any secrets from her. Apart from maybe some of the strange dreams he's been having recently. Those still bothered him, and the potion from Professor Trelawney didn't help at all. He decided it would be best to leave it be for now. Besides, a part of him was curious now. The dreams were forming some kind of strange pattern. Harry was curious to find out where it all leads.

"It seems we only have a few months left before I must step up to it. It is my duty after all, I guess." Harry sighed.

"The chosen one." Hermione whispered, a lost sort of look on her face. "I guess we just never anticipated your role wouldn't quite expire after Voldemort was defeated. Maybe there's still a little bit left to be done. And I will support you, of course. Every step of the way." She told him, grabbing hold of his hand.

Harry smiled at her, "As you have been the past eight years."

Hermione blushed. She couldn't quite believe that even after seven months of being together, she still blushed at every little compliment he made. Little did she know that Harry lived for those little moments.

"When was the last time I told you how beautiful you are?" Harry asked as he brushed a loose lock of hair from behind her ear, making her shiver.

"This morning, actually." She smiled at him, as she pressed her cheek against his palm.

"Way too long ago." Harry smirked before gently pressing his lips to her forehead. "You are so damn beautiful." He added as he pulled away and admired her. Hermione's eyes were closed, as she revelled in the feeling of his hand on her face. Just underneath her top, a tiny but steady blue light was visible coming through the fabric. Her birthday necklace. Harry could imagine the stag playfully chasing a little otter inside of it.

A part of Hermione wanted to go back to their conversation, but she decided that right now, all she wanted was to lay down and cuddle with her boyfriend.

Boyfriend.

That word was beginning to annoy her. The description wasn't really adequate enough these days. She wanted it to be something more. They had shifted on the couch now. Laying down in their usual position. Harry on the bottom, serving as the most amazing body pillow she could ever ask for. They stayed like that for a good while, legs intertwined, caressing each other gently; Hermione tracing her fingers over the back of his head while he drew circles over her back.

Contentment.

"Harry."

"Mmmm…" He answered, too comfortable and satisfied to manage words.

"I don't want you to be my boyfriend anymore." She informed.

Harry's eyes shot open. He froze. Hermione felt him tense up and instantly clarified.

"I just don't think that word is appropriate anymore. I want you to be something more." She explained. She could feel him relax slowly.

"My love. Please. For the love of all that's good. Don't do that ever again." He warned, making her smile into his chest.

"Well, we need to have some kind of drama around here. Otherwise, we'll get bored of each other." She reasoned.

"I will never be bored of you." He argued, as his eyes slowly closed again. Heartbeat starting to balance out.

"Let's not stray off topic. I don't want to be your girlfriend anymore. After reading that letter. I just… I-"

"I know, my love. I know." He spoke.

"Do you… do you think we could get married sometime soon?" she asked, not bothering to hide the immense hope in her voice.

Harry didn't answer for a while. Hermione was beginning to think he had fallen asleep when he spoke again, "I want nothing more in the entire world than to be able to call you my wife. But I want it to be special. I want it to mean something. Does that make sense?"

Hermione looked up at him, "But I wouldn't really mind. I just want you. I want you to be mine. Forever." She demanded, putting a smile on his face. It was like music to his ears.

"Trust me, Hermione. I have been yours for much longer than you think. And I will continue to be yours and only yours from now until forever. Married or not, there's only one person who can stop me from being by your side. And that's you."

She smiled, although she was clearly troubled about something. "I guess that will satisfy for now. I just… I think I'm losing my mind Harry. I can't get enough of this. Of us. I can't stop thinking how things were eight months ago and how they are now. It makes me scared of the future. Things are changing so much all the time. I just don't ever want to be separated from you. I'm so scared when you're not by my side. And trust me I know how ridiculous that sounds. You are Harry Potter after all. One of if not the greatest wizard of our time."

He looked down at her, "Hermione, are you okay?"

Unexpectedly, a tear had rolled down her cheek. Before Harry could even register as to what was happening, she wiped the tear away quickly, hoping it would be forgotten.

Harry sat up gently, supporting Hermione as he rose, to get a better look at her. "Hermione, you need to tell me what's wrong."

She wiped furiously at her eyes, trying to stop crying. "I can't Harry. It's so stupid."

He took hold of her hands, and looked her dead in the eyes, "Hermione. Please."

She loved hearing him say her name. It brought her peace. But right now, it also brought her pain. She took a long moment to compose herself. Once she found her voice, she spoke quietly.

"I had this weird dream the other day. Well… a nightmare actually. I brushed it off at first, but then I started thinking about it more and more. I'm scared Harry. I'm scared you're going to leave one day. I'm scared things won't always be like this. The future… it's so uncertain. Once we finish school, we'll get jobs. We'll start working all the time. We won't be seeing each other as often. We'll start to change as people. I'm scared of this not lasting forever. Every time we're together like this, I just can't help but wonder how many of these wonderful moments we have left. Until something changes. Until something happens that won't allow us to be like this anymore." She explained.

Harry placed his hands firmly on her shoulders, "Hermione. I love you more than anything. I won't let anyone, or anything get in the way of us being happy. I will try my absolute hardest to make sure we can be like this forever. I…" He wanted to tell her about his vision. About seeing them together in this very living room, sometime in the future. Their children's voices echoing through the house as they played. He wanted her to see that so badly.

He was about to tell her when he stopped himself. He just couldn't risk it. What if he told her and then it didn't come true. He would have hated himself for it. He just couldn't risk it not being real. It had to be real.

"What if one day, you look at me and you no longer see the person you fell in love with? What if one day you feel like the spark is gone. What if one day you choose to leave. Harry. I don't think I'll be able to survive that." She told him, trying her best to not start crying again.

Harry thought for a while. And then he thought of something. "Do you have your wand with you?"

Hermione nodded, although looked quite confused as she pulled it out from the pocket of her jeans.

"Use legilimency on me. See for yourself. Once you read my mind, you'll never have these doubts ever again." Harry told her.

Hermione's eyes widened, "Harry, no! We cannot do that"

"Why not? Snape did it on me." He reasoned.

After studying his face for a while, Hermione smiled. "Harry. I do not doubt your feelings for me right now. My fears are of the future. Besides, I could never do that to you. And I trust you enough to believe you when you tell me you love me. You have proven it many times."

"Well then… why can't you believe me when I tell you I'll love you forever?" Harry asked, confused.

Hermione smiled sadly, "People change, Harry. All the time. We are still young. We aren't adults quite yet. We're still in school. I just… I'm worried how you and I will cope together once we're out in the working world. Once we can't devote as much time to each other as we do now. We'll both be going out into the world, meeting new people. What if one day… someone comes along. A witch. Someone who understands you better. Someone who shares your passion for quidditch. Someone who you get along with more than me. What if one day you simply just lose the feelings you have for me." It was like in that moment all her insecurities came out in waves. Every little bottled fear and uncertainty was pouring out all at once.

Harry could feel his chest tense up. He was struggling to breathe as she spoke. His hands had dropped from her shoulders. Deep down inside, anger was swelling.

"Hermione… you think. You think I would be unfaithful to you?" He asked, heartbreak invading his voice.

Hermione gasped as she realised; he must have misunderstood what she meant. "Harry no I-" Before she could finish, Harry had risen from the couch. Before she could say anything else, he was gone. A couple seconds later she heard the front door slam shut.

"I told you it was stupid." She whispered, as tears started falling down her face again.

Harry was running as fast as he could down the snowy path, away from the manor. He was incredibly fast in his wolf form. As he sped further and further, the lights from the house started to fade away. It was now almost pitch black. The only source of light was the moon. He knew if not for his wolf eyes, he would be completely blind right the darkness would have been somewhat comforting. Hermione's words kept ringing in his ears. Why did she think he would leave her? Why was she entertaining the idea they would separate? The questions were driving him crazy.

He was trying to stop himself from thinking and imagining horrible things. He saw Hermione. Holding hands with a shadowed figure. He could see her kissing someone. It wasn't him. He could hear her giggle echo through his head as someone's hands went over her skin, touching places only he had ever touched before. He was pacing over piles of snow now, clearly straying off the beaten path.

Why would she say all this stuff? He thought to himself. Had he done something wrong? Why was she doing this to them. Everything was so perfect. Why was she trying to ruin it?

He could see her walking down the aisle, towards a silver altar. She was wearing a beautiful white dress. Someone was waiting for her at the end. But it wasn't him either. His chest hurt. He wasn't sure if it was the icy air or his thoughts. It didn't matter much now.

He had stopped running now. He looked around and saw nothing. Darkness all around him. He was completely alone. There was no one here. Just him. Completely isolated. A lone wolf. In that moment, all he wanted was to be back on the couch again. With her in his arms.

That's when he realised. As he felt that same fear Hermione described engulf his senses. The fear of losing her. The fear of her not being by his side. It all made sense. The things she said, it described this exact moment. Something Hermione was also scared of. And now. As he stood here in complete darkness. He understood what she had meant. She was afraid. She feared a day would come when Harry would be the one to make her feel this way. That she would have to endure seeing him with someone else. Or perhaps she was just mortified by the idea of heartbreak. He needed to make things right. He needed to explain to her none of this would become reality.

He took one last deep breath, before turning around and running back towards the manor.

Hermione was in the bedroom now. She wanted to run after Harry. But then she decided nothing she would say could help in that moment. The damage was done. Her stupidity had done it all for her. Her dumb insecurities. All those years she spent worrying about never finding true love. Seeing all the other girls getting boyfriends, all those nights spent reading romantic novels, and crying, feeling sad she'll never have the chance to feel that way about someone. And then she finally had it, and her fears ruined it. She was holding the final wrapped gift she wanted to give Harry. She was looking forward to seeing him unwrap it. Now she might never get that chance.

Maybe she deserved this in the end. She collapsed on the bed, ready to cry herself to sleep, when she heard footsteps outside the door.

"Harry?" She called, lifting herself up to get a better look.

She couldn't make out the figure standing in the doorway. The light from the hallway was bright, making the front of the person completely dark. However, as she kept looking, she quickly realised this figure was much larger and wider than Harry. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Not quite." Said a very gruff voice. It was familiar to Hermione for some reason.

She reached for her wand only to realise it wasn't in her pocket anymore. She left it downstairs on the couch.

"It was very. Very hard tracking you down. But blood as dirty as yours was never going to be impossible to find." Said the dark figure, as he took a step inside the room, his wand was pointed right at her.

Hermione's thoughts started racing. Apparating was her only hope. Harry and she were the only ones allowed to apparate in and out of the house. The intruder must have snuck in.

"Now. Do not try any smart tricks. I can guarantee you my spell will reach before you even start apparating." He had already predicted her move. "But just in case. INCARCEROUS!"

Suddenly, a thick rope had appeared around her body, making it impossible to move her arms or legs.

"Beamey!" She called. Trying her best to wriggle out of the bind.

"The protection charm on this house has been infiltrated from multiple angles. By my estimate, right now the elf is very busy trying to track down where exactly the intrusion took place. Only to discover one was utilised, while the others were simple bait."

Hermione was trying very hard to summon the lioness. But all bravery had escaped her. She was panicking. She couldn't focus properly. She closed her eyes, trying to locate her inner animal. But there was nothing there. Only fear of the unknown. Fear of what was about to happen. Fear of where Harry was. Was he okay? Was he hurt?

Before she could think about anything else, the figure had reached the bed. Hermione could now make out the intruder and she couldn't believe her own eyes.

Greyback.

Hermione was certain she had managed to kill him when she blasted him out of the courtyard back in Hogwarts. That's when they discovered he had killed Lavender Brown. She was clearly wrong. Greyback picked her up with ease and shuffled her over his shoulder. She was trying her best to kick her feet and struggle as much as she could, but it just made the binding tighter around her. She could barely breathe. Greyback carried her downstairs and out of the house. Hermione was looking around, desperately trying to catch any sign of Harry or Beamey. But there was no one. She knew Greyback only had to walk a few more metres before he could apparate them away.

Harry had reached the manor soon enough. Although at least half an hour had passed since he left. The journey back was a lot nicer. He took a little longer, trying to think of what he would say to Hermione once he saw her. He wanted to apologise. To explain to her that everything was going to be okay. That there was nothing in this world that could change his love or his devotion towards her. He shifted back into human form right at the door entrance. But the moment he entered the house, he knew something was wrong. There was a strange scent in the air. The wolf in him had picked it up. Something felt… off.

"Hermione!" He called. That was when Beamey appeared right in front of him, a panicked look on her face.

"She's gone. Poor Hermione is gone. They took her! Intruders took her! Beamey is so sorry!" The little elf sobbed.

Harry's heart jumped, "Beamey, what are you talking about? What happened?"

"There was an intrusion, the manor defences were breached all around the perimeter. Beamey had ran off to investigate, only to discover that Beamey was fooled. The intruder had snuck in. Took poor Hermione with them!"

Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. His throat had gone completely dry. His lungs were empty. He couldn't even see straight. And just then, right when he was about to experience the biggest panic attack of his life, a sudden instinct had hit him. It's like the wolf and lion took over in unison. "Beamey. Apparate to the burrow. Alert Arthur Weasley. Explain all of this to him. Tell him to go to Kingsley. These were death eaters."

Beamey disappeared without another word, she sensed the urgency in Harry's voice and didn't question anything. Harry ran up the stairs into his father's office where his school trunk was located. He opened it and shuffled through clothes until he found the secret compartment he had created. Inside was the Elder Wand. He pocketed it without hesitation and then disapparated."

Minerva had just returned to her office. The Christmas party was finally over. She grew more tired with every step as she continued towards her desk, starting to romanticise about the moment she would get to lie down in bed. She sat down and shuffled through some paperwork, trying to reorganise her endless stack. Her first year as Headmistress had by far been the hardest year at Hogwarts so far. She couldn't believe how effortless Albus had managed to make it look.

That was when her fireplace had erupted in green flames and Harry Potter stepped out, dressed in all black. With a long black cloak hanging from his back.

"Professor! I must speak to Dumbledore!" Harry called, frantic.

For a moment, she was certain the boy had lost his mind. Until she realised Potter was approaching the familiar painting in the corner of the office.

"My dear boy. What in the world are you doing here at this hour? What is going on? That floo is only to be used for emergencies!" McGonagall protested, rising from her chair.

"Professor. I do not have time to explain. Hermione has been kidnapped. I need to speak with Dumbledore. Right now!" Harry cried.

McGonagall was shocked at what she was hearing, but instantly realised how urgent the situation was as she joined Harry by the portrait.

"Very well. Albus! Are you there?"

The portrait frame was empty, however after a few moments, Albus Dumbledore appeared, looking as peaceful and relaxed as ever.

"Good evening, my friends. You called for me?"

"Professor. I need your help! The elder wand. Can it track down people? Can it be used to track or locate a witch or wizard?" Harry pressed, not bothering to greet the former headmaster.

Even the portrait of Albus seemed to have understood the urgency of the situation as he instantly started answering all of Harry's questions.

"The Elder Wand is of very ancient magic. Therefore, it has the potential to carry out and execute much more advanced and almost impractical spellwork. Even the simplest of spells can be amplified in power thanks to its overwhelmingly powerful core. I'm sure you noticed this when repairing the castle." Dumbledore explained.

"Professor this isn't the time for riddles. Will a simple tracking spell help me locate any given witch or wizard?"

The portrait studied Harry for a moment, then spoke again "Appare Vestigium Maxima should do the trick. But Harry. I must warn you, tracking spells in their general form are strictly dangerous. They have the potential to make a person over-reliant. It can dull senses and lower vigilance. You must be cautious when casting this spell. Dark wizards have been known to take advantage of that spell for bait."

"Thank you." Harry answered before stepping away from the portrait. He steadied himself, trying to focus, before turning back to McGonagall.

"Professor, I'm going to try and locate the death eaters myself, please get into contact with the order and tell them I will send out a Patronus once I find anything." He informed her.

McGonagall nodded, "Potter. Might I also recommend something?"

Harry nodded. Although clearly still very pressed for time.

"Speaking of ancient magic. There is something else I would recommend trying. I only have ever known Dumbledore himself to experiment with this form of magic. It is something that we do not teach at Hogwarts or anywhere else. It is very similar and composed of the same magic used to impellent the underage wizard trace. And it gives its user the ability to locate magic without the use of a wand."

If not for the urgency and pressure of time, Harry would be amazed by what he was hearing.

"From all that I have studied of it, it requires incredible concentration. A wizard must first be able to dissect the magic which surges through their very veins, and then also separate their senses in order to focus on the magic which surrounds them. It requires very precise and calculated focus. It is not a skill which any witch or wizard could simply learn. But given everything you have achieved; I would not be surprised if you managed to discover this ability. You are an extraordinary wizard afterall, and you possess two animagi forms. This has very likely boosted your focus and discipline." McGonagall explained.

"Thank you, Professor. I will try must best." Harry answered before grabbing a handful of floo powder and walking into the fireplace. "Twelve Grimmauld Place" He called.

Harry was back at the order's former headquarters. He took a minute to steady himself again. All this apparition and floo transportation was taking a serious toll on his strength. His stomach was churning, and his head was spinning. He took a few deep breaths before grabbing his shaking hand and trying to hold it still.

"It's okay. I can do this." He whispered to himself. He was ready to go. He knew the spell. And now he knew of an alternative way to track magic thanks to McGonagall. Although it seemed like he would have to master it first. He tightened the cloak around his neck. He had managed to find a rather comfortable utility outfit in Sirius' wardrobe. Military style boots, cargo trousers, black shirt with a matching dark cloak and hood. It even came with a wand holster. Harry wished he had found this outfit back during the war. It looked quite intimidating and very suitable for combat. Although it seemed, another war was approaching fast. Within only a couple hours, his Christmas day had been completely obliterated. Hermione was gone. She was in his arms what felt only like moments ago. And now he was getting ready to fight. Again.

He paused his thoughts there and then. Knowing further study would make him break down. He would certainly lose composure and start to panic. He couldn't afford that right now. He needed to keep a steady and focused mind. He reached into his cloak and took out the Elder Wand. The beautifully etched elder wood shined brightly in the moonlight. He had promised himself that he would never use it again. It seemed that now would be the time to break time promise. He needed its power. He needed all the help he could get right now. Regrets could come later. He mounted the wand into his holster and stepped out into the hallway. Kreacher was already gone. Harry sent him straight to the ministry to find Kingsley. Just in case if the Burrow had been attacked too. He desperately needed the ministry to know what was happening. Harry could finally feel his head had stopped spinning. He was ready to apparate again. He took a moment to imagine the interior of the potter manor. All the details of his living room. That's where he was going to start tracking. At the very beginning. With nothing but incredible odds weighing against him. But nothing and no one would stop him now.

"Hermione. I'm on my way." He called, before disappearing.