Chapter 1513 - Ch: 33-34

Chapter 33

Three Simple Words

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Harry woke with a start, as far as nightmares go, this one wasn't as bad as some but it was still bad enough to wake him. It was the first bad one he'd had in over a week and with Halloween coming, he figured he was do for a few more. Harry briefly considered getting out of bed but it was still quite early, and he just knew that somehow Hermione would find out and get up too. Harry cocked a brow as he looked around the inside of his bed, wondering if Hermione had somehow put a charm on it to alert her if he got up. 'Wouldn't surprise me,' Harry thought with a smile. He knew she would only have done it to help him. Not wanting to chance waking Hermione, Harry took a few calming breaths and then rolled over tried to go back to sleep. He'd talk to her later… when it was at least light out.

~oOoOo~

Hermione had later convinced him, he needed to put aside his differences with the Headmaster; at for a while, and talk to him about the dream. That was the reason he now found himself taking a seat in Dumbledore's office.

"Harry, thank you for coming to see. Despite what you may think, I am glad to see you," Dumbledore said kindly. "Now, what can I do for you?"

Harry sighed, why was everything so complicated. "Sir, last night… or I guess this morning, I had a dream; a nightmare really, about Voldemort. He was torturing someone, a wand maker I think."

Dumbledore peered over his half-moon glasses as he digested what Harry had told him, then asked, "Harry, I assume you do not believe this to be just a dream?"

"No, Sir," Harry said seriously, "I have… regular dreams too, both good and bad, but this and others like it are… different somehow. There're more vivid, more real, almost like I'm actually there."

Dumbledore nodded once, "I see. Well, I have not heard about any wand makers going missing, but I will check around." Sensing Harry had more to say, he asked, "Something else, Harry?"

Harry hesitated a moment, "Sir… I've noticed that after one of these special dreams, or whatever they are, that my scar hurts, or ah burns," Harry said as he subconsciously rubbed his forehead. "Why is that Professor, am I… am I connected to him somehow?"

Dumbledore leaned back and closed his eyes feeling older by the minute. There it was, the million Galleon question. Should he answer it, if so… how? Did he dare tell him of the prophecy; the same prophecy that he believed meant that someday Harry would have to face Voldemort and most likely die. No… Dumbledore knew he couldn't tell him that now. Certainly not now. However, their relationship was already badly strained, so he also couldn't just tell Harry not to worry, that everything would be alright, no he couldn't tell him that either. It was time for some truths… but certainly not all.

With a sigh, Dumbledore began, "There is a lot we still do not know about the killing curse, Harry." Leaning forward a little Dumbledore looked Harry in the eye, "Your mother used a very old, and a very powerful form of blood magic to protect you Harry, and I want you to remember this always… she did so willingly, because she loved you very much." Dumbledore paused to make sure Harry was still listening, "It is commonly believed that Voldemort killed your mother before trying to kill you. That is not true."

"WHAT, what are you talking about?" Harry interrupted.

Dumbledore held up a hand so he could continue, "He had intended to spare her life, for reasons I will not go into now, but he most certainly wanted to kill you, Harry. When he cast that terrible curse at you that night, the powerful magic's your mother had used took effect." Dumbledore shook his head slightly, "Once that horrific curse is unleashed, you cannot stop it, and you cannot block it… and you most certainly cannot… survive it." Dumbledore took a shuddering breath, "It will demand a life… and that night, it took your mothers."

Neither spoke for a minute, one lost in memories of what was, the other thinking of what could have been.

"The rebound after your mother's magic redirected the curse that ended her life, immediately did two things; one it gave you that scar, and second, it took Voldemort body, reducing him to nothing more than a mere waif of a spirit left to drift endlessly forever," Dumbledore continued softly. "However, Voldemort was no ordinary wizard and with his knowledge and determination, he found a way back… as you saw in the graveyard."

Dumbledore paused again to let Harry compose himself. Even though he had tears in his eyes, Harry was taking all this fairly well, or at least as well as one could expect of a fifteen-year-old boy.

"And the connection to me and my scar?" Harry finally asked.

Dumbledore nodded, glad that Harry was coping. "Some used to believe that in his quest for immortality, Voldemort might have created something truly terrible; an abomination of magic if ever there was one… a Horcrux. A vessel in which he could keep a part of his soul. He would have had to of used some very powerful and extremely dark magic to create one. But if he had succeeded, his soul would have been anchored to this plane of existence, thus preventing him from actually dying. Some thought that he might have inadvertently made one in you, resulting in your scar, and that was why he didn't die that night"

At Harry panicked look, Dumbledore quickly reassured him, "Do not worry Harry, you are not a Horcrux… I checked a long time ago, even though I never believed Voldemort knew how. In fact, I am not sure it's even possible."

Relieved, Harry asked, "You said, some thought that, what changed their minds?"

"Yours's, and Miss Delacour's memories from the graveyard."

Harry thought for a second, then responded, "The ritual."

"Quite right, Harry, I only mentioned all this so you would know in case it comes up at a later time," Dumbledore said, trying to get back on track. "Now, you asked about your scar. I believe that your life and your magic, and indeed even your very soul are all somehow interconnected in ways we may never know. Lily's soul, your life, and Voldemort's magic, all interacted for a brief moment in time that night. There was an incredible amount of magic involved. From what I have seen since, I would wager that some sort of limited magical bond was formed between you and Voldemort as a result."

While this sounded better, Harry was still concerned, "A bond, Sir? What exactly does that mean?"

Dumbledore smiled as he explained, "Hedwig, she comes to you when you need her, does she not? How does she know to do that? The answer, Harry, is that she is your familiar; you two share a familiar's bond. There are many types of bonds; familiar, marriage, the bond between a house-elf and his master, to name just a few."

Harry was trying to understand, "So, it's this bond that gives me nightmares?"

"In a sense, yes," Dumbledore said elusively. "The bond allows you to see what Voldemort is doing, or even perhaps thinking. And because he is so evil, and this only seems to happen when you are asleep, they appear to you as nightmares."

Harry suddenly felt dirty, his scar was no longer just that, it was a foul unwanted mark that infected his dreams while he slept. A real live boggy man to haunt him while he lay in slumber. How was he supposed to sleep tonight knowing this? "Sir, is there a way to remove my scar, or at least destroy the bond?"

Dumbledore nodded, "Although I am not very knowledgeable about this form of magic, I am however fairly sure there is a way to end the bond." Dumbledore again peered intently over the edge of his glasses at Harry. "However, even as unpleasant as these nightmares are, you must admit they give you an advantage… if nothing else, a glimpse into Voldemort's mind, and what he may be planning"

"How do I know he's not doing the same to me or using it to fool me?" Harry asked.

"Judging by what you have told me of your dreams, I do not think he is, Harry. I can see no reason for him to share that information with you," Dumbledore started, "no, I do not think Voldemort is even aware of this connection. You only seem to get them when he is extremely upset. I am guessing that in his anger he loses some margin of control over his magic and it sends you the vision through the bond." Dumbledore got lost in thought for a moment before returning his attention back to Harry, "I am quite certain you will be able to tell if and when he does become aware."

Harry shook his head, still not happy with the situation, "Well, is there at least some way to control it?"

Dumbledore smiled as the twinkle returned to his eyes, "You are growing wise, Harry," he noted, before teasing, "perhaps due to the influence of a certain young witch?"

Harry smiled at the thought of her, "Hard not too I guess."

Dumbledore chuckled, "Yes, well as they say 'Behind every great man…'" Then with a little more seriousness in his voice said, "However, I do believe it is time you learned Occlumency."

Harry sat up, finally something useful. "What about…"

"… And of course you may invite Miss Granger to join you," Dumbledore finished for him.

~oOoOo~

"Amelia, what a pleasant surprise," Minerva said with a smile, "please come in and have a seat. Can I offer you some tea?"

"Thank you, tea would be splendid, it already shaping up to be a long day."

"Oh? Anything I can do?" Minerva offered.

"Well, if Mr. Potter is available anytime soon, I'd like to update him on our progress in regards to his godfather."

Minerva raised a brow, "Certainly, you didn't come all the way here just for that."

Amelia smirked, "Actually, that was just the excuse I used to get out of the office without setting off any alarm bells."

"And…?" Minerva smiled back in question.

"… And while I was here, I thought I'd check out some reports I've been getting on a certain professor who seems incapable of teaching anything other than boredom."

Now Minerva smirked, she didn't need a name to know exactly who her friend was talking about. "Well, you're in luck, she just so happens to be teaching a fifth-year class at the moment that doesn't end for about another thirty minutes."

"Is that so… What a coincidence," Amelia laughed.

"If we hurry, we can catch the last twenty minutes or so," Minerva said as she started to stand.

~oOoOo~

Amelia and Minerva stood in the hallway just outside the door to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom talking quietly to each other.

"I thought surely my Susan had been exaggerating, but after witnessing that… well, it now appears she was spot on," an exasperated Amelia said.

Minerva nodded, "I know exactly what you mean. I still get at least a couple of complaints each day. And now; because they don't feel as if they're learning anything, some of them are starting to skip the class altogether."

"And what does Dolores say about that?" Amelia asked, growing madder by the minute.

"She said it wasn't her job to enforce attendance," Minerva growled. "If you ask me, she doesn't care because it means less work for her."

"And what is Dumbledore's position on all this?"

"Well, he's not happy. He really had no idea she was going to be this bad when the Minister dumped her on us…" Minerva started.

"And…"

"…and for the time being, his hands are somewhat tied. He's been calling in a lot of favors at the Ministry." Minerva lowered her voice, "I'm sure some of which are about Sirius." Minerva sighed, "I hope, as soon as that not so little problem is cleared up, we'll be able to replace her."

Before the conversation could go any further, the door to the classroom flew open and students began pouring out as if the room was on fire.

A moment later Susan spotted her aunt and hurried over, "Auntie, what a surprise… what are you doing here, is everything all right?" She asked all at once.

"Yes dear, everything is fine," Amelia answered with a warm smile, "I'm just here to see Mr. Potter."

Susan's disposition changed immediately, "Why, he's not in trouble for anything is he?" She asked defensively, thinking about the D.A.

Minerva hid a smile behind her hand, while Amelia cocked a brow, "Really? Even my own niece?" After a shake of her head, she added, "Susan, I'm happy to see you ready to stand up for a friend, but relax, he's not in any trouble. I just want to talk with him… okay?"

Susan colored a bit at being so obvious. "Oh, sorry…" Suddenly feeling any place was better than here with two smiling adults looking at her, Susan said, "Well it was great seeing Auntie, but I have class, so I'd better get going… I'll write later," she said over her shoulder as she hurried down the hall.

Amelia shook her head at her niece's antics, then turned to face Harry, who was now standing patiently next to Minerva.

"Mr. Potter, thank you for waiting," Amelia said with a slight tip of her head in greeting.

"No problem, ma'am, it's nice to see you again," Harry said easily.

"I assume Miss Granger couldn't stay?"

"Professor McGonagall said you wanted to talk with me, but said you didn't mention her." Harry answered, then added with a smile, "And since Hermione couldn't think of any reason you might have to arrest me, she left for the library. I catch up to her there, after we're done." Then as if Harry had another thought, he asked seriously, "I hope everything is alright?"

Amelia frowned, "Hazards of the job I guess; whenever anyone sees me coming, they assume something must be wrong."

"Sorry," Harry said sheepishly.

"Don't worry about, Mr. Potter, I'm quite used to it. But as to why I'm here; I'd like to talk to you about a couple of things… in private, if we may?" Amelia then turned to Minerva, "Perhaps your office again?"

~oOoOo~

A short while later after everyone was seated, Amelia started, "First of all, Mr. Potter, I'd like to ask you a few questions about this club you and Miss Granger are running."

"Okaaay…" Harry said cautiously, wondering if maybe he wasn't in at least a little trouble.

"Mr. Potter, is this a secret club?"

"No, not really," at Amelia's questioning look, Harry elaborated, "we ask our members to be discreet when talking about it, only because we don't a certain professor to hear about it and shut us down."

"So, it's open to anyone?" Amelia asked curiously.

"Absolutely. In fact, we have a Slytherin joining us."

"Really!" asked a surprised Minerva, "may I ask who?"

"Daphne Greengrass, and maybe her little sister."

"That ought to heat up the conversation around the dinner table back home I would think," ventured Amelia.

"Actually, I think she's more worried about what will happen in Slytherin House when they find out," Harry said. Both Amelia and Minerva could tell by the look on Harry's face, that he was concerned about it. Harry sighed, "They're bound to find out sooner or later, can't keep something like that a secret forever."

Minerva thought for a second, then said, "Professor Snape knows what you're doing Mr. Potter; he doesn't approve mind you, but that's no surprise. I'll talk to him later, maybe with one of his students now in the club he'll change his attitude. We'll see what we can do."

Harry's relief was plain to see, "Thank you, Professor, I'll let her know."

Amelia looked pensive for a moment, then said, "Mr. Potter, I'm a little concerned that you are teaching these children to fight… that you are turning them into soldiers."

"No ma'am, absolutely not," Harry said forcefully, "that's the last thing I want to do." Harry looked down for a minute to collect his thoughts, then tried to explain. "These children; myself included… we're being forced to grow up far faster than any of us would like. Believe me, I'd much rather spend my free time cuddling with my girlfriend or playing Quidditch. But these are dangerous times and it's only going to get worse. I'm not looking for a fight, but if one comes to me, I don't want to be some helpless child." Harry's eyes told Amelia just how serious he was about all this. "Hermione and I will help anyone who asks, if we can, the best we can. We help them because they feel the same way as us; they don't want to be helpless. But mostly, we're doing this because nobody else will."

Amelia turned to Minerva, "Yet another reason Umbridge must go!" Then turning back to Harry, she said, "Mr. Potter, I've heard nothing but good things about you, Miss Granger, and the club." Gesturing to Minerva, Amelia went on, "That one of my oldest and dearest friends speaks highly of your work would have been good enough for me. Add in Auror Tonk's opinion that the two of you should teach at the Auror academy after you graduate and that my own niece just raves about the group, and that she practically idolizes Miss Granger, well, it paints a positive picture." Amelia almost smiled at the overwhelmed look on Harry's face. "Mr. Potter, for the time being, I don't see a problem. In fact, please let Miss Granger know that I applaud you both for all your hard work."

Both Harry and Hermione had been getting a little nervous about the D.A. It was getting rather large and they knew the bigger it got, the more attention it was bound to attract, both good and bad. Knowing that they now had the approval of; even if indirectly, the Head of the Department Of Magical Law Enforcement, was a bit of a relief. Harry was sure Hermione would be glad to hear it as well. With all those thoughts in mind, Harry said, "Thank you, Madam Bones, it's nice to know how you feel about all this."

This time Amelia graced Harry with a rare smile, "You are welcome Mr. Potter. Now, the second reason I wanted to talk with you. We are getting close, to being ready for a trial for your godfather. I should have a date in the next few weeks, which I'll pass along. In preparation for that date, I wanted to make sure you'd be able to attend the trial. I'm happy to say, that part has been approved and yes you may tell Miss Granger that she too is invited."

Harry's mood instantly turned ecstatic, "That's great. I'll definitely be there, and I'm sure Hermione will be too!" Harry beamed, "Thanks again, Madam Bones… for everything."

~oOoOo~

Harry felt a little better now about running the D.A. knowing that Professor McGonagall and Madam Bones approved. What was making him nervous, was wondering how the rest of the group was going to respond to their newest member. Harry was pretty sure most of them would be alright with a Slytherin in the group, especially once they got to know her. But all it took was one loudmouth with a bad attitude to ruin Daphne's introduction into the D.A.

A few minutes later after the last of the members had entered, Harry walked to the front of the group to begin the meeting. Just as he was about to start, Ginny called out…

"Harry, where's Hermione?"

"She'll be along in a couple of minutes," Harry said with a nervous smile. He wasn't any good at this, Hermione was. When there was a lecture to be made, she was the one to do it. He was better at just showing you how to do something. However, earlier they had already decided that this would be better received coming from him, so here he was. "And that brings up something I want to talk about." Harry looked around to make sure he had everyone's attention. "During the last week, we've added three new members, bring our total to twenty. Harry held his hands out to his sides as if embracing the whole room, "As we said in the beginning, and as we told our new members; in here, there are no house affiliations, there is just us. We are not Gryffindor, or Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw… We are the D.A. We all want the same thing and anyone who wants to join the D.A. has to want that too…" Harry looked around while nodding, "… to learn how to defend ourselves, our family, and our friends. And most important, to know that if needed, the rest of the D.A. has our back. We are our own little family and family always take care of their own."

Harry paused again to let his words sink in, then finished by gesturing to the back of the room where Hermione and a very nervous looking Daphne stood, "I hope you all will remember that as Hermione introduces our newest member."

As a whole, the group turned and stared. The silence was broken a few seconds later by Ginny. As she walked up to Daphne, she said over her shoulder, "Gees, Harry, we didn't need a going over just because a Slytherin decided to join." Reaching her, Ginny stuck out her hand, "Hey, I'm Ginny, welcome to the D.A."

Not to be outdone by their little sister, Fred and George hurried over as well, "You know what this means, Fred."

"Yes I do my, dear brother," Fred answered with a smile, "one less victim in Slytherin House to prank."

With the ice now broken, the rest of the group seemed to be of the consensus that if Harry and Hermione had invited her, and the Weasleys didn't have any trouble with her being in the D.A., then why should they. The other members gather around her and started introducing themselves. Meanwhile, Hermione joined Harry up front.

"See, you were worried for nothing," Hermione said, quite pleased with herself.

"Yeah, you were right," Harry said with a nod. "They're a great group."

"Because they have a great leader," Hermione said simply.

Both turned and looked at Daphne, the girl looked to be in shock; happy, but still a little overwhelmed.

Daphne stood trying to take it all in. She never expected anything like this. She was sure she would have been rejected, or at best maybe receive a couple of strained hellos. As she talked to some of the other members, her spirits began to rise as she realized she might actually become friends with some of them… real friends. What a difference from Slytherin House, were friendship was based on what advantage it might provide. For the first time she could remember since starting Hogwarts, Daphne smiled… a genuine smile.

Daphne had been hesitant about talking to Harry and Hermione, and then even after, she'd still had doubts. That was why she had come alone tonight, so as not to expose Astoria to any un-necessary ridicule. Those fears were all but forgotten now, Daphne couldn't wait to tell her little sister about tonight. It was time to show her sister what life was like outside of Slytherin.

Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet had only joined the previous week and took Daphne under their wing. While the three of them worked on the basics, Harry and Hermione were teaching the others how to best work in a team.

By the time the lesson was over, Daphne was pretty worn out, but still quite proud of herself. She had learned a few new things and had even produced a little mist while trying to learn the Patronus Charm. Later, while taking a break, she had watched the others and learned something else; students younger than her were already learning things she hadn't thought possible at their age. She could hardly wait to get caught up.

After the end of the lesson discussions and critiques, Hermione had a quick announcement to make. "Those of you who have asked about karate, Harry and I will show you some and start teaching it this Sunday at nine o'clock, here in this room. If you are interested, try and make it." After a quick glance at Harry to make sure he had nothing else, she thanked them all for coming and making this a great lesson.

Daphne knew part of that, 'great lesson,' remark was for her benefit and she appreciated it. She decided then and there she'd work as hard as she could. She wasn't going to let the D.A. down, nor disappoint Harry or Hermione, after the faith they had shown in her.

~oOoOo~

A small group of Gryffindors and one lone Ravenclaw were talking about some possible topics for the D.A. meeting. Hermione, Luna, and Ginny were interested in some sort of karate self-defense moves that might help a girl get away from an attacker. While Harry, Neville, and the twins were talking about the use of weapons, like knives.

They were part way through lunch when a tall thin boy with light brown hair walked up and stopped next to Hermione. "Excuse me, Miss Granger, do you have a second?" He asked quickly, as he cast a quick look down the table towards some older students.

Hermione wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin, then answered, "I guess…"

"Great," he said, still seemingly in a hurry and not at all concerned that he was interrupting Hermione's lunch. "You're friends with Katie aren't you, Katie Bell."

Hermione stole a peek down the table to the girl in question, "Yeah, somewhat." Hermione eyed the older boy, "Why?"

"Do you know if she has a boyfriend?"

Hermione sighed, "No, not really."

"Oh…" he said, with another long look down the table.

Hermione stole a quick glance at her friends, it didn't appear as if any of them knew either.

McLaggen, Cormac McLaggen, right?" Hermione asked.

"Yes."

"Well, Mr. McLaggen, why don't you just ask her yourself?"

Cormac paled slightly and started to look a little nervous. Finally, he seemed to resign himself to the fact that he'd just have to ask her himself. He had recently had a long talk with Hermione about possibly joining the D.A. Not to improve his skills; because as he told Hermione, he was already quite good at defense, but rather to get closer to Katie, of course, he didn't tell her that. He had wanted to discreetly find out if she was seeing anyone and if not, he had hoped he could get Hermione to put in a good word for him. However, now he saw how silly that idea had been. Hermione really didn't know Katie all that well, not to mention she didn't know him at all.

"Yes, well, I was just hoping that… ahh, well never mind. Thank you, Miss Granger." After his not so composed reply, Cormac slowly started inching his way down the table towards Katie.

Hermione watched him go, then after a chuckle, she turned to Luna and said while shaking her head, "Boys"

Harry flashed her a smirk, "You do know you're dating one, right?"

Hermione smirked back, "Oh yes, of that I'm quite certain, Mr. Potter."

Harry raised a brow at her saucy comeback, then turned and looked for Neville reaction.

Neville only shrugged and deadpanned, "Girls."

Everyone cracked up laughing until Luna pointed out another couple. "It seems one boy at a time is not enough for her. Pretty greedy for a third-year."

Romilda had walked in with not only Ron on her arm but with Michael Corner hanging on the other. She wore a satisfied smile on her face and appeared to be quite pleased with herself. She walked slow and purposely down the aisle to the far end of the table. Romilda wanted everyone to notice, that she; a mere third-year, had the attention of not just one, but two boys… and boys much older than her no less.

~oOoOo~

Dolores sat down out of breath, but happy none the less. Even though it was just a backup plan, part one of the master plan was now complete. All she or anyone had to do, was say the pass-phrase and Sibyll would wait until an opportunity arose, then she'd try and kill Dumbledore and then start screaming about finally getting revenge. No one would ever know she had been manipulated. 'Too bad it will only be used if part two of the master plan fails,' Dolores thought cruelly.

"Now for part two… the best part," Dolores said to herself as she poured herself a glass of firewhisky.

It had been a lot of work; meeting with Sibyll three times a week for their 'girl's night'. Dolores wasn't sure what had been worse, spending all that time listening to the old bat mindlessly carrying on while she waited for her to finish her drink, or the complex spell work she had to do after she had.

Pouring another glass, Dolores contemplated how much longer until she'd be done and finished with Sibyll for good. "Three, maybe four more weeks," she mumbled to herself. The next part; although more complex, should go more easily since a lot of the groundwork had already be done in part one. "Yes, definitely before Christmas break."

Satisfied with that line of thought for now, Dolores began to think about what she'd do when this was over. After paying close attention for a while she had come to the conclusion, that there was indeed some sort of defense practice or training going on behind her back and it looked like Potter and Granger were involved with it somehow. With her thoughts becoming a little foggy from the firewhisky, she momentary forgot who she was working for. 'If I could catch Potter or that little know-it-all mudblood bitch of his red-handed working with this… this army,' she thought deviously, 'the Minister would reward me well.' 

~oOoOo~

For late October, the weather outside was very pleasant. Being caught up on all their work and having no meetings or special projects to work on, Harry and Hermione found they had their Tuesday afternoon free. And as soon as lunch was over, they planned on parting ways with Neville and Luna. They always enjoyed spending time with them, but today, Hermione wanted to head down to the lake…alone.

Neville stared at Harry for a moment; Halloween had never been a good day for him. It wasn't just the day he lost his parents, it seemed almost every year something bad happened to him on this day. No, Halloween didn't seem to like Harry Potter.

"You okay, mate?" Neville asked out of concern, although he already knew the answer.

Harry looked up with a tired smile, "Yeah." Harry closed his eyes for a second, putting his thoughts away. "Just the day, you know… memories and such."

Neville nodded, "Yeah."

"Well maybe it's time you made some happy memories on this day," Luna said brightly, then she turned to Hermione and with a suggestive smile, wagged her eyebrows.

"Oh, stop you," Hermione said through a laugh, "if I were to listen to you, I'd be married with children by now."

For some reason, it was Neville who blushed, while Luna just nodded as if to say, 'yeah so, what's wrong with that.'

Harry smiled; the idea didn't sound all that bad to him.

"If you must know," Hermione continued, "I have a plan to cheer up my boyfriend; which I think I'll get started with."

"I hope it's a proper plan," Luna giggled, "and make sure you're careful."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Luna, you're terrible, what am I going to do with you?"

Luna just shrugged, "I'd be more worried about what you're going to do to Harry."

Hermione laughed, she really liked Luna's wit, but sometimes it got a little too personal and pushed her out of her comfort zone. Standing up, Hermione reached for Harry's hand, "Come on, Harry, I think we'd better go… before this conversation gets any more suggestive."

Harry took her hand and stood, then leaned over and whispered in her ear, "So… what are you going to do to me?"

Hermione turned to face him. She stared into his eyes for a second and then as a smile slowly crept up her face, she said, "Why, Harry, that's a secret… you'll just have to wait and see." Then she leaned in and gave him a not so quick kiss. Without saying anything else, she took his hand and started for the exit with a bemused Harry happily following behind.

~oOoOo~

Harry and Hermione spent the entire afternoon down by the lake. They sat under a giant old oak tree, not far from the edge of the lake. It had been Hermione's favorite spot to come to when she wanted to be alone to read or just think. Now it was their favorite spot.

They'd come out here whenever they had a free moment time and just wanted some peaceful time alone. Sometimes Hermione would snuggle into Harry's side and rest her head on his shoulder and he'd hold her close. Other times he'd lean back against the tree, and she'd sit between his legs and lay back into him. She had fallen asleep like that more than once, safely wrapped in Harry's arms.

Hermione had never lived through a physically abusive childhood like Harry had, and she thanked God and her parents for that. However, that didn't mean she hadn't lived through an emotional one. One full of name-calling, taunting, and ridicule. Where no one called her a friend. That was all in the past now, but even after almost five years at Hogwarts and some of the best friends she could imagine… she still had doubts sometimes. If the right person said the right thing at the right time… it could cut like a knife, and reopen all her old wounds.

She was getting stronger every day and her horrible memories from the past were slowing fading into oblivion, mainly thanks to Harry. And as far as she was concerned, it was times like this, down by the lake under the old oak that were the best medicine of all. Harry had done all that for her and he didn't even know it.

Today was without a doubt, the worst day of the year for Harry; the anniversary of his parents' deaths. Hermione had decided, that she was going to do whatever it took to make October thirty-first, a little more bearable for the boy she cared so deeply for. She had no intention of trying to get him to forget what had happened on this day all those years ago. But rather, give him something else, something additional to think about on this day. Hermione had made sure they'd have the afternoon off and that she would be alone with him. Now, she'd do her best to let Harry know, just how much she cared for him.

They spent the first part of the afternoon under their tree just talking. They had talked a little about things from the past and what they might have meant, but mostly, they talked about the future; their hopes, their dreams, and their fears. They talked about what they wanted in the future and they reassured themselves, that they wanted that future together. The conversation slowly turned romantic and talking soon turned to kissing. They spent the rest of the afternoon in each other's arms snogging.

Hermione didn't know why; not that she cared really, but every kiss with Harry today seemed so… special. They were full of passion and desire, yet tender and caring at the same time. They made her feel alive, they were exciting every nerve in her body. Hermione thought she could almost feel his magic touching hers. With Harry in her arms and his lips on hers, Hermione felt she could do anything, face anything… because he was there for her. Harry was strong and it gave her strength. He gave that special gift to her and he gave it freely, asking nothing in return. It gave her a powerful peace knowing he was there for her like that, and somehow she knew he always would be. That single thought filled her with hope for the future they both wanted and confidence that someday they would have it.

She knew Harry would do anything for her, even today if she needed him too, but she didn't… not today. Today, she was going to be there for him. She was going to fill him with hope and confidence. Today, Hermione was going to give Harry some of that special strength. She was going to give him a taste of her magic, the way he had given his.

Hermione couldn't change what had happened all those years ago. Nor could she erase the horrible memories, but maybe she could ease the pain, if only just a little. She would give him something else to focus on, a promise of a brighter future. She would give him a glimpse of better days ahead and offer to help make it happen. As she leaned back against the tree with Harry's head in her lap, Hermione ran her fingers through his unruly hair. And in-between kisses, she promised him all that and more.

As Harry laid there, he realized it had been one of the best afternoons of his life and the person responsible for it was the girl currently smiling down at him. As she played with his hair, Harry smiled back up at her. Right now he felt like the luckiest guy on the planet, certainly the happiest.

It was getting late and both knew they had to get back soon. Neither wanted to go, especially Harry. Hermione had changed his day from what was sure to have been a miserably tormented one, to a wonderfully uplifting experience. His mood had changed from sour and remorseful, to optimistic and cheerful. It allowed him to forget, if only for a short period in time, about the adversities of his past, and to think of shining tomorrow full of good things to come.

Harry sat up and faced Hermione. He stared deep into her eyes as if only seeing her for the first time. She had not only changed today… she had changed his life.

Startled momentarily by his abrupt action, Hermione sat up a little straighter but settled quickly as she locked eyes with him.

As Harry sat there staring at Hermione, he wondered, 'When did this beautiful girl become so incredibly important to me?' Harry reached out and cupped her face in one hand but continued to gaze at her with admiration and reverence.

Hermione sat transfixed as Harry's piercing green eyes seemed to look straight into her very soul. They were so bright and intense, they seemed to almost glow with a green fire behind his glasses. Hermione couldn't move even if she wanted to, he held her in place with the sheer power of his gaze. Whatever he was thinking, it must have been profound. She wouldn't know just how right she was until he spoke.

Harry knew Hermione better than anyone else, he probably knew her better than he knew himself, and yet as he continued to look at her, he thought he saw something new… something wonderful. Realization, as sharp as any knife cut across his thoughts. All that she'd done for him… all that she was to him. Hermione hadn't just helped him with school work, she'd taught him about life. She hadn't just healed his wounds, she had healed his heart. She had saved his life in all the ways that really matter. Hermione wasn't just important to him, she was everything to him. Without her, nothing else made sense… nothing else mattered.

Harry leaned in and placed a feather light kiss on her lips. After pulling back just a little, the look on his face turned serious.

Hermione tilted her head a little slightly confused, trying to figure out Harry's new emotions.

Harry's smile returned as he said softly, "I love you."

Hermione's eyes teared up instantly and her heart soared. Three simple words. But these were no ordinary words, they were words she'd longed to hear. Of course, she had known that Harry loved her, his actions had shown her that. She had known and believed it to be true for a long time now, but to hear him say the words… it was different. It filled a need deep inside her, one she hadn't even known existed. The last piece of their relationship was now firmly in place. The picture was complete.

Hermione reached up and wrapped both her hands around Harry's, the one still touching her face. "Oh, Harry, I love you too," she said barely above a whisper, "I love you so much."

Harry's eyes were damp now too as he gently pulled her in and kissed her softly. Harry pulled her down with him as their kisses turned passionate. Their trek back to the castle could wait a while longer, Harry wanted to show her, just how much he loved her.

Chapter 34

Setting Things Right

.

Minerva's temper flared. She knew Albus had charms on the outer hallway to his office to tell him if and who was there. So why did she have to knock? She was tempted to just wait and see how long it would take him to just call her in. 'Knowing him, he'd just go and take a kip, and leave me standing here all night,' Minerva thought irritably. Deciding that playing games with the Headmaster wasn't a very mature thing to do, Minerva knocked.

Finally, after being invited in, Minerva got right to the point of her visit. "Albus, it is nearly the end of November, when are you going to do something about the Gryffindor prefect situation?"

Dumbledore stared back at McGonagall clearly not pleased, he had better things to do with his time after all. "I offered the position to Miss Brown, she turned it down."

Minerva closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, "You do know, that she is Mr. Weasley's ex-girlfriend, and their relationship ended badly?" At his acknowledgment, she asked dumbfounded, "And you're surprised she didn't want it?"

"I thought perhaps, that she might use the opportunity to mend her relationship with Mr. Weasley."

"Albus, why don't you just admit that you made a mistake? Mr. Weasley begs off most of his duties, so I doubt you'll find anyone who will want to work with him. Let me reinstate Miss Granger and Mr. Potter as the Gryffindor fifth-year prefects."

"With as busy as they both are, especially now that they have both started taking additional lessons from me," Dumbledore said sarcastically, "no, I still think that is a bad idea." Before his deputy could raise another objection, he quickly added, "I will have a talk with young Mr. Weasley, and then find you a female prefect."

"Miss Granger and Mr. Potter are already doing most of the prefect duties anyway; without being asked I might add. And, they are doing them without any of the privileges that go with the title," McGonagall said angrily. "If this is not resolved to my satisfaction soon, I'll take more drastic action."

Dumbledore nodded once, "Anything else, my dear?"

McGonagall knew a dismissal when she heard one, "Not for the moment."

~oOoOo~

The weather all thru out October had been unseasonably warm, however, now it seemed as though Mother Nature was trying to make up for a mistake with the bitter cold of late. As November turned to December, students and teachers alike, grew impatient for the end of term and Christmas break, hoping to escape the cold of the Scottish Highlands.

The Gryffindor common room was festively decorated for the coming holidays and a roaring fire burned brightly in the hearth. With ink and parchment on the table in front of him, Harry sat on the couch revising for Charms. Hermione sat close by, just far enough away not to get distracted. She too was revising for a class, as mid-term exams were getting close.

Just as Hermione was reaching for a quill, a blur of Gryffindor colored robes crashed into her.

Natalie had just finished reading a letter from her parents, the first one she'd received since starting her second year. "Hermione, Hermione… how in Merlin's name did you manage this?"

Hermione eased the hyper, young witch down onto the couch between herself and Harry. Though she already had a pretty good idea what had her so excited, Hermione asked anyway, "Goodness, Natalie, you about gave me a fright, now what's all this about?"

Natalie held up the letter, "My mum, she wrote me a letter. Said I could come home for Christmas!"

Hermione smiled and gestured to the letter, "May I?"

Natalie, fit to bust, just nodded and handed the letter to Hermione.

Dear Natalie,

How are you? I hope you are doing well, and I'm glad to hear you have

made some good friends. I've met a woman named Mrs. Granger, the

mother of one of your friends. She is just like me, that is to say, she is

non-magical. We've had some long talks and I can see now, that I had some

wrong assumptions and made some bad decisions. Your father and I have

been invited to the Granger's home for Christmas Eve dinner and we

would like to have you there with us. I'll see you on the platform and then

on the way home, we'll have a long talk.

Love Mum.

Hermione handed the letter to a smiling Harry and reached for Natalie. The young girl instantly jumped into her open arms and started to cry. "Hey now, what's with the tears?"

"That's the first time my mum has said she loved me since she found out I was a witch," sobbed Natalie. "Do you think it means she might start liking me again?"

"Oh, I doubt she ever stopped. She probably just forgot that you were still the same Natalie you always were." Reassured Hermione.

Natalie sat back and gave Hermione a watery smile, "Oh, I hope you're right." After wiping away the last of her tears, she glanced at Harry and then turned back to Hermione, "And not only do I get to go home for Christmas, but I'll get to see you guys as well!"

Harry laughed, "You didn't really think Hermione would let you spend Christmas alone, here in the castle by yourself did you?"

Natalie beamed, "You guys are the best! Thank you, Hermione, and you too, Harry."

Harry shrugged but smiled anyway, "I didn't do anything, it was all Hermione and her mum."

"If you hadn't introduced me to Hermione, she wouldn't have known."

Harry just nodded, gracefully accepting his small part in her parent's turn around.

Natalie got up and gave them both a quick hug, and then she was off to write a letter home. "I'll see you over the break," she yelled over her shoulder as she raced up the stairs to her room.

~oOoOo~

"Such a shame you have to stay in the castle over the break dear," Dolores said with as much sincerity as she could muster, "but I'm sure you'll find a good use for your time."

Sibyll wrung her hands, trying to stop the subtle shaking, "Yes, yes… of course, you're right. I have much to do."

'More than you know,' Dolores thought to herself with a sinister smile as she showed Sibyll out of her office.

The final part of the master plan and her role in it was now complete, she no longer needed to waste any more time with the likes of Sibyll Trelawney. Dolores smiled, knowing the Dark Lord would be happy with her efforts. Settling down behind her desk, Dolores thought about the days to come. It both terrified her and thrilled her. War could be such a messy thing, but it mattered not to her as long as she advanced in power. She would do whatever it took to make the climb, sweeping aside whomever got in her way.

Another happy thought for her was that term would be over in just one more week. Six more days and she'd be done with these idiotic children and their ingratitude until next year. She was so tired of trying to teach these simpletons… 'Why they can't even find my class half the time.'

Deciding it was too early for a whiskey, she stood and wrapped her pink cardigan around her shoulders. Even though it was a tad bit early for lunch as well, Dolores had nothing left to do until her evening class. So after locking her office door, she headed off down towards the Great Hall.

~oOoOo~

Hermione rounded a corner on her way from the library to the Great Hall to meet Harry for lunch and came upon a young Ravenclaw girl sitting in an alcove crying. As she approached, the cause of the girl's distress became obvious. The young witch had her hand pressed firmly to what looked like a rather nasty cut on her thigh; just above the knee, trying to stop the bleeding.

Hermione knelt down in front of the girl, "Hey, can I help?" After a jerky nod, Hermione pulled out her wand, "Let's have a look, 'kay?"

The girl lifted her hand, but kept her eyes on Hermione, not wanting to see how bad it was.

Hermione cleaned away the blood and checked to make sure there was nothing left inside the wound. As she worked, Hermione started talking to the girl to help keep her mind off what was she was doing. "So, what's your name?"

"Isabella," came a feeble reply.

"And how'd you manage to hurt yourself, Isabella?"

"I was rushing to get to lunch. There was a sharp piece of metal sticking out from a desk and I didn't see it."

Hermione smiled reassuringly at the girl, "Well, this doesn't look too bad. Would you like me to help you to the infirmary, or do you trust me enough to heal it for you now?"

Isabella knew who Hermione was; most all the second-years did. She had a reputation for not only being intelligent but for her kindness and willingness to help others; especially the younger students. Not to mention, she was also Harry Potter's girlfriend. Later when she thought about, she realized you'd have to be living in a cave, not to know who Hermione Granger was.

With only a slight bit of trepidation, Isabella answered, "I'd rather not go to the infirmary, Madam Pomfrey can be rather scary."

Hermione chuckled, "I see, well, we'll just keep that bit of information to ourselves." Then turning a little more serious, she added, "Now this is going to sting just a little… okay?"

Isabella tensed but nodded she was ready.

Dolores actually had a genuine smile on her face as she made her way to the Hall. 'One more week… just one more week, and I'll be rid of…' Her happy thoughts were cut short as Dolores turned a corner and found Hermione performing magic in the hallway. She stopped abruptly and backed into the shadows to watch, hoping to catch her doing something else against school rules. Dolores had been keeping a sharp eye on both Potter and Granger for the last couple of months, but up until just now, she hadn't been able to catch them doing anything she could use against them. It looked as though her luck had changed.

Using her wand while incanting an advanced healing spell, Hermione slowly and carefully cleaned and closed the cut. She had used a more delicate spell than something like the Episkey spell, so as not to leave a scar. As she finished up, Hermione explained what she had already done, and what she was doing now. Because she had asked, Hermione even demonstrated the wand moments again to the curious girl. Finally, Hermione told her, that she'd have to visit Madam Pomfrey sometime later today, just for a quick check to make sure everything was alright.

Dolores stood and watched, trying to understand exactly what was going on. 'It looks like the mudblood is trying to heal that student, but why,' she wondered. She could have just escorted the young girl to the infirmary. After watching Hermione demonstrate the spell for a second time, Dolores caught on. 'So, the mudblood is teaching the girl a healing spell, and not just a basic one.' Even though Dolores didn't know the spell, she was sure it for use in the field, like after a fight… or a battle. After all, with her known involvement in this so-called army, what else could it be for, Dolores reasoned.

Dolores's eyes lit up and her smile grew, it wasn't ideal but this would have to do. She would have loved to of caught Granger teaching the young witch an offensive spell, but this was close enough. 'Maybe I can get her to talk later, during a detention,'thought a delighted Dolores, 'oh yes, I'm quite sure I can persuade the little know-it-all to talk.'

Dolores marched up to Hermione, "Miss Granger, just what is it you think you are doing?" She demanded.

Hermione stood and raised a brow, "I thought I was helping a fellow student who had hurt herself."

"Nonsense," Dolores huffed, "Others may buy your poorly concocted cover story, but I'm not so easily fooled."

Isabella started to defend Hermione but quickly stopped when Hermione told her too with a shake of her head. "Why don't you go on to lunch, this doesn't concern you," Hermione further said, daring Dolores to countermand her. Hermione knew the real reason Dolores was here and it had nothing to do with the young girl.

Dolores eyed Hermione for her audacity but decided she probably wouldn't want any witnesses around anyway. "Yes dear, you may go," she said in her typical overly sweet voice. "Now, Miss Granger, you will tell me what you were really doing."

Hermione answered in a plain, almost bored voice, "I told you, I was just healing a cut on her leg."

Dolores's eyes flashed with anger, "You were not just healing her; she could have gone to Madam Pomfrey if it was just that. No, you were teaching her… you were teaching her combat healing for that pathetic little army of yours."

Hermione gave an annoyed laugh, and said, "That's ridiculous."

"Is that so? Well again you don't fool me," Dolores snapped back. "Furthermore, you were performing magic in the hallways; which I'm sure you know is against school rules."

Hermione stood her full height, she was getting mad, "Healing magic used to render first-aid is exempt from that rule, which I'm sure you are aware of."

Dolores made a tisk tisk sound, and then said, "Only if it was necessary… which it wasn't." With a satisfied look on her face, Dolores asked, "When is your next free period?"

Hermione sighed, she knew she was in the right, but she also knew she wasn't going to win this argument. Knowing that the pink menace could easily check her schedule, Hermione answered truthfully, "Right after lunch."

With a smug look, Dolores said again in that horribly sweet tone, "Very well then, for using magic in the hallways and for lying to a professor, you will meet me for detention immediately after lunch."

Hermione bit her tongue to keep from screaming, "Yes ma'am. May I go now?"

Now satisfied, Dolores just waved her away with the back of her hand, as if it was too much trouble to answer her.

~oOoOo~

Harry knew the second he saw the look on her face, that something was wrong. Hermione looked furious.

She plopped down on the bench next to Harry rather abruptly, causing Neville to look at Harry with a raised brow.

Harry barely noticed as he continued to watch Hermione, who was now angrily filling her plate with food as if somehow the food itself was responsible for her current state of agitation.

Harry reached out and put his hand on her wrist, "Hermione?"

She turned and glared at her boyfriend, but her sharp, hard look quickly softened. The last thing she wanted to do was take out her frustrations on him.

Seeing her relax somewhat, he asked, "What happened?"

Hermione glanced up to the head table for a second, then stared down at her food. "That pink loving bint of a woman gave me a detention!"

Harry's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. It must have been quite an altercation if calm and cool Hermione got detention.

Hermione finally looked up at Harry, "This poor second-year witch had accidentally hurt herself… I was just trying to help her," she huffed. "But the way that poor excuse for a professor tells it, you'd think I was training her to be a field healer for the Auror Corps," Hermione growled. "She was convinced that I was up to something."

Harry scanned the head table looking for McGonagall, wondering if she knew about this. As his gaze passed over Umbridge, he found her staring at him. Not wanting to take a chance on making Hermione's detention any worse, he quickly looked away.

Hermione sat up suddenly as a thought occurred to her, "Harry, right after lunch, can you do me a favor?"

Harry simply nodded while saying, "Sure."

"The second-years name is Isabella she's in Ravenclaw," Hermione said quickly. "She probably thinks she got me in trouble. Would you please tell her it wasn't her fault and that I'm not mad at her or anything? That I'm okay."

"Yeah, no problem," Harry answered easily.

"Thanks," Hermione said with a sad smile. "Well, I'd better get going… I'll see you at dinner." After giving Harry a quick peck on the cheek, she gathered her things and hurried out of the Hall.

Harry felt a bit unsettled as he watched her go. They both knew that Umbridge had it out for them, and had been trying to catch them doing something wrong. He was tempted to follow her and maybe stand guard outside while Hermione served her detention, but if Umbridge caught him out in the hall it would surely cause more problems. 'Besides,' Harry thought, 'Hermione was a big girl, she could take care of herself, and what was the worst a professor could do during detention anyway.'

~oOoOo~

Minerva had spent her lunch hour in her office having a private meeting with Madam Longbottom, and a Mr. Kline; who was another member of the school board.

"So are you telling me," a shocked Mr. Kline asked, "that so far this year, none of the students have used their wands to practice defensive spells in class… not even the fifth or seventh-years?"

"That is correct, Mr. Kline. She claims the practical work in not important, only the theory," confirmed Minerva.

"But how does she know if they can cast the spell properly?"

"Obviously she doesn't," Minerva said harshly, "but as I have said, she doesn't feel it's important, so why would she care?"

Augusta had already known all this, so when an astounded Mr. Kline looked to her for confirmation, all he got was a stern look that clearly said, 'I told you so.'

Mr. Kline, who was not only a board member, but was also the head of the Course Standards Committee was visibly upset. This could have a very negative effect on grades, especially those students in their O.W.L. or N.E.W.T's year. Knowing that in turn would be reflected straight back to him, Mr. Kline wanted to take action, "Well, I think we need to go and have a talk with this Miss Umbridge."

Minerva glanced at her watch, "Well lunch is just ending and she only has office hours till later. Why don't we go now?"

~oOoOo~

"Miss Granger, come in," Dolores's voice was cold and bleak, "All you'll need is some parchment. Leave all the rest of your things on the table by the door, you may collect them on your way out."

Thinking she was going to have to write lines, Hermione left everything on the table as told, except for a quill, some parchment, and of course her wand.

"Miss Granger, how hard is it to follow such simple instructions? I said, leave everything; with includes your wand," Dolores said with a pointed look at Hermione's wand. "You won't need your quill either, I have a special one for you to use."

Hermione reluctantly put her quill and wand on the table next to her other things and started for the front of the office.

Dolores gestured to a single small student's desk that sat just in front of her own. "Have a seat, Miss Granger," Her tone was condescending, and carried a hint of malice.

Hermione slid into her seat holding her head high, she wasn't going to give this woman the satisfaction of thinking she was intimidated.

Dolores handed Hermione an odd looking quill and a small piece of parchment that was folded in half. "You will copy what is written on that parchment to your own, exactly the way you see it. And you will continue to recopy it over and over until I tell you to stop."

Hermione looked at the quill and wondered how she was supposed to write without ink, and asked, "What am I to do for ink?"

"That quill is special, it provides its own… ink," Dolores said with a kind of eager enthusiasm.

Hermione looked at the quill again and cocked a brow in curiosity, then she unfolded the parchment and read…

.

Mudbloods

Will Show

Respect

.

"Something wrong, Miss Granger?" Dolores asked with a foreboding type of excitement.

Hermione looked up and pinned the bigoted old witch with a hard stare, "I was just wondering how a person with such an obvious bias and an over-inflated sense of self-worth, managed to get employed at the Ministry."

"How dare you…" Dolores wasn't going to let this obnoxiously annoying little shite get flippant with her. Her temper raged; she'd show this insignificant girl just who was in charge here. And when she had her properly broken, she'd get all the information she wanted. Dolores pulled her wand and commanded, "Write!"

Hermione held her gaze, almost daring the older witch to use her wand. Then a couple of seconds later, Hermione slowly picked up the quill and started to write. She noticed right away that as she wrote, nothing was appearing on her parchment. Knowing magic for what it was, she only paused for a second before continuing. Just as she finished the last word, Hermione felt a sharp burning pain on the back of her left hand.

Hermione gasped when she saw what had caused it. Cut into the back of her hand were the words she'd just finished writing. Returning her eyes back to the parchment told her the rest of the story. Again the same words… written in her own blood!

Hermione stared at the quill in her hand as she realized just exactly what this special quill really was. Then she turned angry eyes up to Dolores and nearly yelled, "A blood quill, you want me to use a blood quill?" Hermione shook her head in disbelief, "Did you think I would not know they are illegal except for certain magical contracts? How stupid do you think I am?"

Dolores waved away the objection, "That law doesn't concern or apply to me. I have the Minister's full approval to do as I see fit to bring this poor excuse of a school back into line." Dolores looked up, over the top of Hermione's head with a perverse smile, "Once the impure are cleansed from her hallways and the pure take their rightful place, the likes of you will be dealt with." Dolores turned menacing eyes back down to Hermione, "Now, enough stalling… write."

Hermione sat up, but did nothing else, "I will not," narrowing her eyes at Dolores, she added, "This is wrong and you won't get away with it."

Dolores's temper was rapidly spiraling out of control. Just who did this impudent Mudblood think she was? Spit flew from her mouth as she yelled, "I SAID WRITE!"

Hermione took the quill in both hands and broke it in half before throwing it on the floor at Dolores's feet, then calmly said, "No."

Something inside Dolores snapped and the curse left her mouth before she knew it, then once she started, she couldn't seem to bring herself to stop, "Crucio…"

Hermione watched as the evil witch's face turned from red to nearly purple. She realized far too late just how much she had underestimated what lengths of cruelty this vile woman would resort to. And at this close range… there was no escaping the inevitable.

The Cruciatus Curse hit like ten-thousand red-hot electrified needles. The pain defied description. Hermione's body jerked wildly as her eyes rolled to the back of her head. In a split second, the pain had built to an unimaginable level, and Hermione let out a strangled ear-piercing scream as she fell from the desk onto the floor.

Dolores knew that she'd gone too far and that there'd be consequences; but seeing this filthy excuse of a witch on the ground writhering in pain; it gave her so much satisfaction… Dolores just couldn't stop.

Minerva and the two board members were just down the hall from Dolores's office when they heard the blood-curdling scream. Without even sparing a glance to her companions, Minerva took off as fast as her older legs would carry her. Augusta and Mr. Kline hurried alone just behind her.

Harry stopped at the bottom of the stairs that lead to the Gryffindor common room. Something felt off. He couldn't put his finger on it, but somewhere in the back of his mind was a nagging feeling that something was wrong. Harry closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on it. The predatory look he'd seen on Umbridge's face at lunch flashed across his mind. Harry turned and started for Umbridge's office, and with a growing feeling of dread, he soon quickened his pace.

Finding it locked, Minerva bumped into the door in her hurry to enter the office. Hearing another scream, she didn't bother to knock or even use an unlocking spell. Minerva blasted the door open and stepped in. The scene before her was so shocking and foreign, she had trouble believing her eyes. A crazed professor was holding a student under a painful curse. Dolores was so obsessed with hurting the student, she hadn't even noticed their arrival. Before Minerva had taken a second step, she cried out, "Expelliarmus!" The disarming spell was so emotionally charged it blasted Dolores back and over her desk, where she landed in a crumpled heap against the back wall.

Minerva rushed forward towards the student lying motionless on the floor while signaling for Augusta and Mr. Kline to check on Dolores. Minerva let out a gasp when she finally recognized who the fallen student was. As she knelt down next to Hermione, she noticed the broken blood quill on the floor. Fearing the worst, she reached for Hermione's left hand to have a look.

Hermione reacted violently. She snatched her hand back and curled into the fetal position and started shaking.

Minerva's hand flew to cover her mouth as she gasped, "Oh dear Lord, not again!" She no longer had to guess what foul spell Dolores had been using, it was now shockingly obvious as Hermione lay shaking, eyes screwed tightly shut. And if that weren't enough, Minerva could now clearly see the hateful and bloody words curved on the back of her favorite student's hand.

Minerva was so far beyond angry, she wanted to physically hurt the evil women who had done this, but right now her student needed her. "Augusta, send for Poppy. Mr. Kline, stun that… bitch and tie her up. Then use her floo to call Madam Bones at the Ministry. Tell her…"

Harry's unexplainable anxiety about Hermione had him nearly running. When he reached the office and saw the damaged door, he raced in just as Augusta was calling for Poppy. Harry lost what little restraint he had left and shoved past her. Seeing Professor McGonagall kneeling down next Hermione, Harry's heart nearly stopped. He dropped down next to them and called to her in a strangled voice, "Hermione?"

Hermione's eyes peeked open, "Harry…" she said weakly as she tried to reach for him.

Mindless of the small mess Hermione had made of herself, Harry scooped her into his lap and held her in his arms.

Thinking of the curse, Minerva almost tried to stop him, but then remembering the effect Hermione had on him last year, she held her tongue hoping he could do the same for her.

Hermione's trembling subsided, and now more relaxed her eyes slid closed. Gone was the tortured look of searing pain she had felt just moments ago. Hermione grabbed onto Harry's robes and held on like a drowning person clinging to a life preserver. Minerva let out a breath she didn't even know she had been holding. Then with a quick Scourgifying Charm, cleaned Hermione up a little.

Harry glanced momentarily towards the desk and the unconscious woman behind it. Minerva briefly wondered if Harry would get up and try to go exact some revenge, but when he turned teary eyes towards her, she knew he'd never leave Hermione alone like this.

With a soft quiet voice, but in a tone that clearly showed his anger, Harry asked, "Please tell me that… that thing won't get away with this?"

Mindful not to touch Hermione, Minerva reached out and put a hand on Harry's shoulder, "No, Mr. Potter, she most certainly will not."

~oOoOo~

After Madam Pomfrey had arrived, it had taken all of Hermione's strength that she had left to convince her, that she'd be better off with Harry in their own common room, than the infirmary.

Later, after a short explanation of what had happened to their friends and a plea to be left alone for a while, Harry settled down on the couch next to Hermione and wrapped her gently in his arms.

Hermione rolled into him and laid her head on his shoulder. The horrors of just a short time ago slowly starting to fade, as Harry gently ran his fingers through her hair.

She was being usually quiet, and Harry thought he knew the reason why. "Hermione, it wasn't your fault," he said softly.

Hermione lifted her head a bit to look at him. 'Only he would have known I was blaming myself… and only he would understand.' She thought. He would know, because he had experienced it, and from a far more powerful wizard than Umbridge. Hermione shuddered, she couldn't begin to imagine how much worse the pain must have been. Thinking of that, only made her feel that much guiltier. Speaking just as softly, she began, "Harry, I let my guard down. I even let her talk me out of my wand… how stupid can I get?"

"Hermione," Harry said in a gentle voice, "can you honestly tell me; that even in your wildest dreams, you thought a professor would use the Cruciatus Curse on you during a detention?"

"Well… no, I guess not."

"And, if she'd asked me to leave my wand on the table like that, I would have just thought she was only trying to scare me, or you know… intimidate me." Harry chuckled, "Heck, I probably would have made a big show of it, just to irritate her."

Hermione laid her head back down and after thinking about it for a minute, she nodded, "That's kind of what I did."

Harry smiled, "See?"

Hermione looked up again, "It was still a mistake, Harry. What if she had wanted to kill me?"

Harry quirked a brow, "Okay, maybe it was, but from now on we'll know better." Harry bent down and kissed the top of her head, "It's like we teach the others… we learn from our mistakes, right?"

Hermione gave Harry a soft smile, "Yeah…" then laid her head down once more.

A few hours later, after Dobby had brought them dinner, both were sound asleep on the couch. Harry was lying flat on his back with both arms wrapped protectively around Hermione. She was laying mostly on top of Harry, using his chest as a pillow. She had one hand on his shoulder and the other was holding on to his robes. It looked as though she was trying to make sure he didn't try and slip away during the night.

That was how Minerva found them as she made her final rounds before turning in for the night. Allowing two students to sleep together; even fully dressed and on a couch, was definitely against the rules, but seeing the contented look on Hermione's face, especially after what she'd been through earlier, Minerva just didn't have the heart to wake them. Knowing neither would take advantage of the situation, Minerva pulled the blanket up a little higher and smiled down at them, "Sleep well, children."

~oOoOo~

Umbridge had always been a pain in his backside. For years, she had twisted his words and sometimes even his orders to suit her needs; but this… Merlin, this was way too far over the line. He'd seen the hateful words cut into the back of the young girl's hand, 'Mudblood…" But she wasn't just any Muggle-born… oh no, she just had to be Harry Potter's girlfriend no less. 'Merlin, the press is going to crucify me,' he thought. He could see it all now; Harry Potter demanding answers, showing them the back of her hand. 'Oh, they'd eat that up. And then he'd blame everything on me.'Fudge was starting to panic.

"Amelia, Albus, surely you don't believe I gave her permission to use a blood quill, let alone the Cruciatus Curse do you?" Fudge implored.

It was Amelia who answered him, "No, we don't," but then after his relived look, she added, "But it's not us you'll have to convince."

Fudge sighed, what was he going to do? Potter was already unhappy with him for stalling the trial of Sirius Black; he had only wanted to wait until after the new year and the elections, but now this.

Seeing his distress, Dumbledore felt he had an opportunity, "Cornelius, perhaps you can turn this around, use it to your advantage."

Fudge looked up with a glimmer of hope in his eyes, "You think so, how?"

Dumbledore leaned forward and looked him in the eye, "By not trying to hide this. Bring it into the open and as soon as possible." Seeing the worried look on Fudge's face, Dumbledore smiled sympathetically, "Cornelius, it is all in how you present it. Tell the press what you told us; you did not know. Tell them you are going to make it right."

Amelia decided to expand on that idea, and added, "You could do the same thing for Sirius Black… give him a fair trial. After all, you didn't know the truth about him either."

Dumbledore could almost see the gears turning in the Minister's head. Without taking his eyes off of him he said, "That is an excellent idea, Amelia." When fudge looked at him, Dumbledore explained, "Mr. Potter and Miss Granger have already been given permission to attend the trial." Dumbledore paused and looked over the top of his glasses, "I am sure you are aware they are growing impatient." When Fudge cringed, Dumbledore shrugged, "If you were to hold the trial, say this Tuesday, Harry could spend Christmas break with his godfather… that is assuming he is found innocent."

Cornelius started nodding as the pieces started coming together in his head. He'd take swift and decisive action against Dolores, thereby showing everyone, that he wasn't showing any favoritism to one of his ex-staff members. That course of action wouldn't bode well for Dolores, but then again, she'd created her own problems. Then Black's trial. There was already enough evidence proving Peter Pettigrew was still alive and with what else he'd heard about that night; Cornelius was quite certain Sirius Black would be found innocent of all charges. The more he thought about it, the more confident he became in the plan. 'In fact,' he thought, 'when they find Black innocent, I'll make some kind of offer of compensation for his hardship… Yes, that might just make Potter happy.'

Fudge stood, suddenly full of energy and started pacing. "Okay, here's what we are going to do." Looking at Dumbledore, he began, "Albus, call for a full assembly of the Wizengamot for Tuesday. We'll try Umbridge first, then Black. Hopefully, we all leave on a happy note." Then pointing to Amelia he went on, "Get Mr. Black in here for that trial. I'll sign whatever documents you need to ensure his safe passage." Fudge stopped and rubbed his chin for a second in thought, then asked, "Anything else?"

Amelia and Albus shared a brief amused look, then answered together, "No."

Out in the hallway as they were leaving the Minister's office, Amelia snickered and said, "That was a smooth move back there, bringing up Potter like that."

Dumbledore smiled, "Hmm… well, in this case, all for the better I think."

"Except for Umbridge."

"Ah yes, except for her."

~oOoOo~

Being done with exams, Harry and Hermione were being excused from their one and only class on Tuesday, so they could attend the trials. Right after breakfast, Harry and Hermione hurried down the path to the main gate where Remus and Tonks were waiting on them.

"Watcher, Harry," Tonks called out as they approached. Remus, who'd had his arm around Tonk's waist, released her and took a step forward to greet Harry, while Tonks wrapped Hermione in a tight hug.

With the pleasantries dispensed with, the group started for Hogsmeade where they'd then floo to Diagon Alley.

"It's good to see you guys again," Harry said excitedly.

"Yeah, and things must be going well, you both look great," Hermione added while leaving out the 'together' part.

Tonks shot Hermione a beaming smile, knowing exactly what she meant.

"So, need to stop anywhere first, we have plenty of time before the first trial starts?" Remus asked, either not noticing the double meaning of Hermione's comment, or pretending not too.

"Actually," Harry said, "we do need to stop at Gringotts."

Feeling good about being around the kids again, Remus smiled, "Alright, first stop, Gringotts."

~oOoOo~

Harry spotted the teller he wanted to do business with and pointed Hermione in that direction.

As the group approached the teller, Hermione stepped forward and greeted the goblin in Gobbledegook with a stony face and tone, "Greetings honorable teller, I hope the day has met you well."Hermione met the surprised goblin gaze head-on and held unflinchingly.

The surprised shock on the goblins face quickly faded and turned into a look that was all business. "Greetings young lady and indeed it has… For you, I hope as well?"

Hermione gave a quick but stern nod, "Indeed it has."

Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the stunned look on the faces of both Remus and Tonks. "I don't know why you're surprised, Moony, you were one of the people who got her a book on goblins."

Remus and Tonks weren't the only ones shocked. Goblins on both sides of their teller were openly staring. It was a very rare moment when a wizard spoke in their native tongue to one of them. And that it was a proper greeting, spoken by a child no less… well, that would be talked about for quite a while in the Nation.

"Miss, thank you for that surprising, but most honorable greeting. It will make the rest of my day feel far more profitable," said the teller, now speaking in English. "Now, how may I assist you?"

"You're welcome, Sir," Hermione said as her features softened, "I only need to make a simple withdrawal, but my good friend Mr. Potter," Hermione smiled at Harry, "will have additional business with the bank."

"Very well, Miss. Your key please."

Hermione collected her money and left with Tonks for a bit of shopping. They promised to meet the boys back at the Leaky Cauldron in about an hour.

Once out of earshot, Tonks nudged Hermione and asked, "Why'd you call Harry your 'good friend,' and not your boyfriend, something happen?"

Hermione smiled, "No, nothing's happened. Goblins don't have those kinds of relationships. They go from being just friends to a very formal type of courtship."

"So to them, a boyfriend is really just the same as a good friend."

Hermione nodded, "Yep."

Tonks laughed, "Well, I'm glad I'm not a goblin, hard enough to get Wolfy to agree to be my boyfriend, might be a while before I can get anything more serious out of him."

Knowing how important time was to a goblin, Harry stepped right up after Hermione left. "Good morning Griphook," Harry said with a huge smile.

Griphook had been employed by the bank for many years and he of course, remembered Mr. Potter who he had first met over four years ago. The mark of a good teller was to know your customers. However, for a wizard to remember a teller, that was fairly unusual, yet this wasn't the first time Mr. Potter had addressed him by name. So in the span of less than ten minutes, he had been surprised twice. Normally, Griphook wouldn't give a wizard the satisfaction of knowing that he knew who they were, but in this case, he felt it was only right to return the courtesy. "Good morning, Mr. Potter, how may I help you?"

Remus stood back with a raised brow wondering why this goblin was being so nice.

Harry placed his key on the counter, "Like my good friend Miss Granger, I'd like to make a withdrawal. Then I'd like to set up a special account and I was hoping you'd be able to maybe recommend a good solicitor."

Griphook would normally send Potter over to accounts, to set up this 'special account after he had taken care of the withdrawal. But he'd been around for a long time and something in the back of his mind was telling him to take care of this personally. Mr. Potter and Miss Granger were both thought quite highly of in the wizarding world, and judging by their actions here today, they might someday be thought of just as highly of by the Nation.

"Of course, Mr. Potter, I can take care of all that. First, tell me what you had in mind for this new account and then we'll get your funds."

Harry smiled, glad he wouldn't have to go somewhere else to handle this. "The account will be in Miss Granger's name; Miss Hermione Jane Granger." Harry set it up so each month a small amount would be transferred from his account to hers. He also had it tied to his will and she'd only learn of it if he told her, or upon his death. He knew she didn't care about his wealth and would be upset if she knew what he was doing, but he didn't care. He wanted her to have something in case the worst happened. And if it didn't, well, hopefully, they'd be together and it wouldn't make a difference. No matter what, Harry didn't care about the money, only her.

As they walked back to the Leaky Cauldron, Remus said softly, "She means a lot to you, doesn't she?"

Staring straight ahead with a warm gentle smile, Harry didn't even turn to look at Remus as he answered just as softly, "She means everything to me."

Remus nodded, and when he thought about it for a second, he realized that he really wasn't all that surprised. A moment later he thought about something else, "I didn't know you had made a will."

Harry looked at Remus sheepishly, "It's only a basic one for now, that's one of the reasons why I wanted to meet with a solicitor, to make it proper… and to discuss a few other things."

Remus quirked a brow, "I see." Then after a pause, he asked, "Do you plan on meeting him during the break?"

Harry shrugged, "Maybe on the way back to school. I don't want anything to interfere with Hermione's plans for the holidays."

"Well, if it's later in the year and you need to leave school, just let me know, I'd be happy to escort you."

Harry smiled, "Thanks." After a minute of silence, Harry's smile turned into a smirk, "So… how's Tonks?"

Remus turned and looked at Harry but didn't stop walking. A second later he reached over and ruffled Harry already messy hair and shook his head with a smile, "Nice try."

~oOoOo~

With as many people that Dolores had stepped on as she weaseled her way up the ranks, it was no wonder she didn't have many supporters in the Wizengamot. Her trial was fast and devastating. Dolores Jean Umbridge was sentenced to life in Azkaban for the use of an unforgivable curse along with several other things.

Dumbledore had been left puzzling why she hadn't put up a stronger defense, or why she hadn't denied any of the allegations. Was she afraid of what she might reveal if forced to take Veritaserum? He was sure she had committed many more crimes, but since they most likely didn't pertain to Hogwarts, he'd worry about them later.

A short break was called before the assembly would hear the trial of a wizard who had already spent ten years of his life in prison. It was the main reason they'd all been called for on such short notice; the long overdue trial of Sirius Black.

Harry and Hermione had been invited by the Minister himself, to sit in the ground floor section of the gallery. A section normally reserved only for very special guests. They hadn't failed to notice, that Fudge was laying it on thick trying to appease them, but had to also admit that he appeared to be trying to do the right thing.

Finally, the moment Harry had waited nearly two years for had arrived and Sirius was led in, looking every bit the statesman he was. He walked in, head held high. He was well groomed and wore some of the finest robes Harry had ever seen. It was no secret that Sirius didn't care for his old family or their ways, but it was obvious to anyone who looked; Sirius Black was definitely proud of who and what he was.

Pride also shown in Harry's eyes. Finally, his godfather's name would be cleared and the world would get to know Sirius as he did; a brave, yet gentle man, honest and true.

Sirius sat down in the defendant's chair, and as the chains wrapped around his arms and legs, Hermione couldn't help but compare this courtroom to a Muggle one. Only here, one was guilty until proven innocent.

Shacklebolt, who had led Sirius in, testified under oath; that he had personally given Sirius the cleansing potion to ensure he couldn't defeat the effects of Veritaserum, and then moved to stand behind him.

Once the assembly was satisfied, Sirius practically demanded he be given the potion so they could get on with it. As soon as Sirius was under its influence, Amelia started questioning him. She started with the basics; what's your full name, are you a Death Eater, and so on. She got more specific when she started asking him about the night in question, the night James and Lily Potter were murdered.

Even under the sway of Veritaserum, there was a subtle change in Sirius's tone as he answered questions about the night he lost two of his best friends. Even the numbing effect of the potion couldn't completely mask the pain he obviously still felt.

Unfortunately for Harry, he didn't have the benefit of a potion to help him control his struggling emotions and tears rolled silently down his face. Hermione leaned into him and tried to offer some sort of comfort, even as she herself cried. And they weren't the only ones to shed tears as the events of that horrible night were brought into the open; McGonagall, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and many others could be seen wiping at their eyes. Even the normally very emotionally controlled Dumbledore, appeared soulful.

After the sworn testimonies from Harry Potter and the Fleur Delacour; about the presence of Peter Pettigrew in the graveyard the night Voldemort was resurrected, were read, no one had any trouble believing Sirius's version of what happened. He was just an innocent man in the wrong place at the wrong time. Peter had cut off his own finger to help fake his death. Harry couldn't help but remember him cutting off his hand to bring back Voldemort. Maybe the next thing to get cut off would be his head.

Although not as swift as Dolores's trial had been, Sirius's wasn't much longer. With all the testimonies read and the questions answered, Dumbledore stood and addressed the assembly, "Distinguished members of the Wizengamot, you have heard from Sirius Black his truthful accounting of what transpired that terrible night of October 31, 1981. Is there anyone in this chamber that does not believe he should be exonerated of all charges against him?" Dumbledore stopped and peered over the top of his glasses. Dumbledore could see the tight expressions on some of the darker members, but they knew the consequences for speaking out would be viewed unfavorably, and so stayed quiet. After a moment with no one raising a hand, Dumbledore slammed down his gavel and spoke again, "Let it be noted; the assembled Wizengamot of December 19, 1995, unanimously votes to drop all charges against one Sirius Black. So be it." Dumbledore then turned his eyes to Sirius, "Mr. Black, you are a free man!"

The chains had barely fallen away before Sirius found himself engulfed in a tight hug, Harry was hanging on to him for dear life. It was only a moment later before his godson was joined by Hermione. Everyone was so emotional, no one could manage to say anything. Although no words were really necessary, as they all knew how the other felt.

With Harry on one side, and Hermione on the other, Sirius shook hands and exchanged hugs from several others; Professor McGonagall, Madam Longbottom, and Madam Bones just to name a few. Remus with Tonks on his arm; the old werewolf and the tough Auror, both a little misty-eyed brought up the end of the line of the well-wishers. All Remus could say before grabbing Sirius in big hug was, "Finally!"

As the small group started for the door, Fudge walled up and stuck out his hand, "Mr. Black, I'm delighted to see you vindicated. I also wanted to apologize on behalf of the Ministry, for the former Minister's total disregard of the law. However, I'm afraid I am also partly to blame for taking so long to give you a trial, I hope you'll forgive me." Fudge then smiled, "But that's the past. What I can do for you now, is offer you some form of compensation and maybe a favor or two," as he said the last part, he glanced at Harry suggestively. "I would very much like to meet with you in the near future… when you have some free time of course."

Sirius gave the Minister a half-bow from the waist, "Thank you, Minister Fudge, I look forward to it."

Stepping out of the lift and into the main lobby they were meet by a rather large crowd of reporters, and the first question was, of course, shouted at Harry. "Mr. Potter, how do feel about the outcome of the trials?"

Everything stopped as Harry took a moment to collect his thoughts. He and Hermione had already worked out some things he might say if the opportunity came up. Hermione almost laughed as she watched thirty some adults collectively hold their breath waiting on the answer from a fifteen-year-old boy. This was just one more example of how the wizarding world viewed him.

"First, I'd like to give thanks to Amelia Bones, who is the head of The Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Without her tireless efforts, my godfather would not be standing here with me now as a free man." Harry then gestured to Fudge, "I would also like to thank Minister Fudge for his quick and decisive actions that saw justice done here today. It's a testament to his leadership and it gives me confidence that we are in good hands." Harry smiled to himself, Fudge wasn't the only one who could lay it on thick.

"How do you feel about the sentence of Miss Umbridge, do you think it too severe?"

When Harry hesitated, Sirius took Hermione's left hand and gently held it out for all to see. While keeping her safely tucked into his side with his free arm, he answered for Harry, "Anyone who can harm a child like this… anyone who could torture a child just because they don't like them… well, I think we," Sirius looked at Harry and then Hermione, "feel she got her just reward."

Having said all they had planned on saying, the group started for the exit. As they walked away, another question rang out, "Mr. Black, what will you do now?"

Sirius looked down at Hermione and smirked. She knew what was coming just from the look in his eyes. It was an old joke now, just between the three of them. It had taken Hermione the better part of an hour to explain it to him the first time he heard of it, and so he was sure it would confuse the hell out of regular wizards. The best type of prank. Without turning around, he yelled over his shoulder, "I'm a free man… I'm going to Disneyland!"