MOD NOTE: This is not the begining. The first thread is here.


The sound of Harry punching Malfoy in the face echoed like a gunshot in the entrance hall.

Malfoy, recognizing defeat, motioned to his faithful cronies and headed their way down to their dungeon, each trying to look after their injuries themselves.

“Harry, you have to stop losing your temper like that,” said Hermione, making their way to the Gryffindor tower. “You could have lost about 100 house points and you risked expulsion again. But really, those –“ then Hermione said something that made Harry jump in shock, “- really deserved it.”
The people in their way ran away from them thinking that Harry would punch anyone. He was still fuming with anger and his hands were curled into fists. Hermione grabbed Harry's hand and his anger deminished soon. But instead, it was replaced by sadness. Why? It’s all my fault…

Harry realized that they were at the Fat Lady’s portrait only when Hermione muttered “Flibbertigibbet.” The portrait swung open and they both crawled over the ledge. They decided that they would rest for a bit and then go back to practising spells. Harry and Hermione grabbed the best chairs by the flickering flames that was the fire. Hermione grabbed her bag, wrenched it open, and took out the never-ending scroll of spells. Harry shifted his chair a bit so that he could see the window viewing Hagrid’s cabin.

It’s all my fault… Harry could see Fang waiting for Hagrid by his cabin door. Why…

Why...

Harry closed his eyes and let a few tears fall, he could feel Hermione was watching him. He turned to look at her and she said as if she could read Harry's mind,

"Harry, it wasn't your fault that Hagrid died." He shook his head and he choked out, "It was my fault, every single death in this war is my fault, my parents, Sirius, and now Hagrid." He stood up and he walked up the staircase and sat at the top, his head in his hands.

Then he heard footsteps coming up the stairs, he turned away as Hermione sat next to him and said,

"All the deaths weren't your fault, none of them! You couldn't do nothing about it! Just stop feeling sorry for yourself!" Harry looked at her with anger on his face and said,

"Of course it is, ever since that prophecy was made..." Hermione interrupted and she said,

"What? Prophey?" Then it dawned on her face, "Was it that glass ball from the Department of Mysteries?" Harry flinched slightly and very slowly, he nodded.

O
o
t
P
Spoliers...


Harry flinched slightly and very slowly, he nodded.

"So you heard it?"

"No, it broke when Neville had it, and since all the Order members were duelling all around we didn't hear it. Later, though, in Dumbledore's office, he showed it to me through his pensieve. Do you remember the letters on the glass?"

She nodded slowly, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Well," Harry continued, "the first ones were the initials to Sybill Trelawney, since she gave the prophecy, and she gave it to Dumbledore. It was his whole name back at the Department of Mysteries."

Hermione nodded. It made sense. "What did it say?" she asked.

"Basically, it said that the one able to stop Voldemort would be born as July ends, that Voldemort would mark him as his equal," he raised his hair and showed her the scar," and that he would have powers that he didn't know about. Also, it said that neither can live as the other lives, or something of the sort. This means that either I kill him, or he kills me. In the end, it will be down to the two of us. If I can't beat him, then no one shall.

Harry sighed and looked at her. He let everything sink in. She was looking extremely sad. I shouldn't have told her this...it is making her sad... were Harry's current thoughts.

"Harry, I'm really sorry. I truly am. I promise you I will always be there if you need me. We will train together, ok?? And also promise me you will learn Occlumency. You will kill Voldemort. I have complete faith in you."

Harry nodded and they hugged each other. Hermione's last words were echoing through his mind and, he had absolutely no idea why, he felt at peace.

Harry nodded and they hugged each other. Hermione's last words were echoing through his mind and, he had absolutely no idea why, he felt at peace.

*~*
Harry awoke early the next the by one of Ron’s unusually loud, disturbing and alarming snores. He stared up at the blur, which was the top of his four-poster bed for about five minutes before getting out of bed and putting his glasses on. Nobody was awake, so he crept silently towards the door of his dormitory, opened it, and slid outside.

Harry sat down onto the best chairs by the now extinguished fire and looked at the list of spells Hermione left down last night after she expertly persuaded him to go through them together. There were all sorts of charms, curses and jinxes. It seemed that he wouldn’t need to research for at least a year since he had this list and the set of books given by Lupin and Sirius… For some reason, Harry did not feel as uncomfortable as usual when he thought about Sirius.

The day before had gone smoothly. The trio walked to their spot near the lake by the tree where the Mauraders usually had rested. Then games of wizard chess between Harry and Ron, and even Hermione decided to join in for a game (although she lost terribly even to Harry).

Harry then heard footsteps by the stairs leading to the girl’s dormitories and found Hermione in her pink fluffy night-robes looking at him.

“Oh hi, Harry!” said Hermione brightly, rubbing her eyes. “I just came down to get the list I forgot to take up last night. I didn’t think anybody would be up right now…”

“Here,” said Harry, handing her the scroll. “We don’t want to lose our plans for the DA for the next years do we?” Hermione blushed a bit. “Do you want to go down for breakfast? I know it’s probably too early, but we could go slowly,” asked Harry, gazing into Hermione’s chocolate brown eyes. He knew that she couldn’t resist.

“Sure, Harry. I’ll just get changed.”

“Ok, I will too.”

Harry came back down first. After Hermione came back down, they pushed the portrait open, waking up the grumpy Fat Lady in the process. They walked silently, hand in hand.

They entered the Great Hall and found Professor McGonagall facing them. “Good morning, Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger,” said Professor McGonagall, looking curiously at them. “I was just about to go up to the Gryffindor Tower to tell you something.”

“Yes Professor?” asked Harry politely.

“You’ll be glad to know that you have been made Gryffindor Quidditch Captain. The classes are going to resume today, too. Here are your schedules,” said Professor McGonagall, handing them their schedules.

“Oh, congratulations Harry!” beamed Hermione.

“Thanks, Hermione.” Harry was quite pleased with himself. However, as he thought about the responsibilities of a Quidditch Captain, his happiness diminished. His schedule was already full, and he now had to think about plays for the team and such. Then there were the try-outs.

“Oh, and one more thing. Your Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape will begin today as well, at seven thirty,” said Professor McGonagall very sternly.

Harry had forgotten about the Occlumency lessons. His heart sank as he pictured himself in Snape’s dreadful office and the greasy git trying to get into his mind.

“Oh don’t worry Harry. You’ll do much better than last time,” encouraged Hermione, reading the expression on Harry’s face as they took their seats.

Gradually the Great Hall began to fill up. Ron joined them soon and pulled a large plate of bacons towards him and began to eat like a pig. Hermione looked at him in disgust. After a while, Harry, Hermione, and Ron headed up towards the Charms class, their first N.E.W.T. class ever.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

“Well that wasn’t so bad,” commented Hermione on the way out.

“Yeah, but we could have done without the twenty minute speech about how important N.E.W.T.s are. We already suffered from that last year,” grunted Ron.

The limping and still squeaking Professor Flitwick had set them a three-foot essay.
The day did not get improve as it progressed. Now they had a mountain load of homework to do, but Ron’s was the smallest since he took the least classes. The Defence Against the Dark Arts class was as brilliant as any student would expect who has been taught by Remus Lupin before.

After the Occlumency lesson, Harry went up to the Gryffindor tower trying to clear his mind. He gave the password to the Fat Lady, and as soon as the portrait opened, he was cornered by the remaining members of the Quidditch team, Katie Bell, Jack Sloper and Andrew Kirke.

“Harry, the Quidditch try-outs are scheduled for Friday. We really need you to shape up the Quidditch team this year. Please, please make sure you don’t make a pig’s ear out of it,” said the team in a threatening and pleading way.

“Ok… Of course I won’t.”

“Good,” they replied.

Harry watched as the members of the Quidditch team crawled over the ledge and into the common room and soon, Ron came out. “I tried to stop them from setting the try-outs early, mate. But they said that we’d need more practises.”

“It’s okay.”

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Friday had come soon compared to the mountainous amount of homework and the tiring Occlumency lessons with Snape Harry had. Harry woke up early again, this time, not awoken by Ron’s snores but his anxiety to go back onto the Quidditch field. He knew that he couldn’t go back to sleep and decided to head to the Quidditch field for a quick ride. So je went back inside, grabbed his Quidditch robes and his Thunderbolt, which vibrated at his touch, and crept back out.

He jumped down the stairs, three steps at each time, pushed open the grumpy Fat Lady’s portrait, and headed towards the Entrance Hall.

After Harry had changed, he went outside, feeling the cool morning air brush his face. The grass was wet from the refreshing morning dew. Harry mounted the broom and kicked off the ground.

It felt as if he had just found out that he was a wizard again. It felt fantastic to be back to Quidditch. The Thunderbolt was another addition. Harry felt that he no longer needed to change the course of it by touch, but only by thoughts. He swerved, dived sharply and turned. Then suddenly, a very soothing and familiar voice spoke from seats. “Nice flying, Harry. Maybe I should try-out too.”

Nice flying, Harry. Maybe I should try-out too."

Harry looked down and saw Hermione smiling at him from the stands. He flew down to the stands and said surprisingly,

"You? I thought you were afraid of flying?" She smiled and said, "Me too, but until I rode with you that night, I knew I wanted to try. This year, I'm going to do things I've never done before, like Quidditch. I just hope I can get on the team, captain." Harry laughed a little bit and said,

"But you don't have a broom." Hermione frowned and said, "I forgot." Then Harry got an idea, he pulled out his wand and said, "Accio Firebolt!" He saw it flying towards him and he caught it and gave it to Hermione. Her jaw dropped and said, "Thank you." Harry then said,

"How about you fly with me for a bit, so I can see how good you really are." Hermione glaredat him and started to go down to the pitch.

When Hermione arrived, Harry landed and he said, "Okay, mount your broom." Hermione put her leg over the broom and she took off and Harry screamed at her, "Hey wait up!" He flew after her.

Hermione's pretty good, thought Harry, maybe she will make the team.

"Hermione's pretty good", thought Harry, maybe she will make the team.

He had never seen her fly that fast before as a matter of fact the last time she saw her flying he even felt her cringing in his clutches. He had to be extra careful when she rode with him the last time. He could not believe that Hermione Granger was actually racing with him on a broomstick hundreds of feet of the ground.

"Hey, you know we can go a lot faster than this?" Hermione commented as she flew past Harry the second time.

"Hermione, you asked for it," Harry said and he went faster with his thunderbolt. His new broom was easier to manage than his Firebolt which was already quite a fascinating broomstick he didn't expect that a broom would be more manageable than his old one but the Thunderbolt proved him wrong.

He was going really fast but Hermione was trying to keep pace with him. She had that determined look on her face, like the time when she was seriously studying for their O.W.Ls. Harry thought that she kind of looked cute.

"Harry, are you slowing down for me. Don't worrying I'll keep up with you no matter what," Hermione called at him. He realized that she was edging away from him and fast. He thought that he must have been lost in thought for a while.

"Hermione follow me. Let's go a bit higher," he called out to her when he dashed past her.

Hermione determinedly followed behind.

Hermione determinedly followed behind.

"So how am I doing, captain?" Harry smiled and he looked at her and said, "You are doing really well." Hermione grinned mischeviously and she said,

"I think I should thank you properly." She flew next to him and Harry grinned right back.

Their lips were barely touching when they heard a voice, "Hey Captain Harry, get down here for try..." Ron stopped talking as Harry and Hermione flew down. Ron's jaw dropped and he said to Hermione,

"You, fly?" He started to laugh so hard, he fell to the ground, holding his sides. Hermione rolled her eyes and said over Ron's laughing, "At least I'm not embrassasing myself in front of the Quidditch Team!" Ron stopped laughing and Katie Bell shook her head and said,

"Ron you're such a git." He stood up and glared at Hermione, she glared right back and she said,

"If I get on the team, I'll be your worst nightmare you, if bug me." Ron nodded quickly and Harry said,

"Okay whoever is trying out, stand in a line in front of me."

"Okay whoever is trying out, stand in a line in front of me."

Hermione, Ginny, and the of the people trying out stood in front of Harry and he said to Ron, " Fly up to the goalposts." Ron did a salute and said, "Yes sir, captain!" Harry shook his head, he turned back to the other players and said,

"Now, one by one, we're going to see who's the best and at the end of the try-out, we will choose two new chasers." He slightly glanced at Hermione and she grinned. Harry grinned back and said, "First up is..." Harry made a surprised face, "Colin Creevey." Colin smiled and went forward and he said to Harry, "Don't be so surprised, just watch." Colin mounted his broom and flew toward the goalposts.

He missed four out of five. That's pretty pitiful. Next up was Ginny, she flew up and she said to Ron, "Look out, or this quaffle will hit your face!" "Bring it on Virginia!" She made a mad face at Ron, "Oooooo! Don't ever call me Virginia again! Your'e going to pay!" She threw the first quaffle and Ron saved it, he blew a raspberry at her and she threw it again and she got it in.

She got three out of five in, Harry looked impressed, then Parvati was up, she absolutely blew her chance, then it was Dean, he sucked, and then last but not least, Hermione was up. She winked at Harry and flew off.

Ron smiled at her and said, "You're wasting your time Hermione!" She growled and she threw the quaffle and she got it in right between Ron's legs. "So, going to tease me now Ronald?" He glared at her and screamed, "Try again."

She got all five in, Harry smiled and he called her down and whispered to her, "You were great." She blushed and smiled shyly. He went over to the rest of the team and said, "Okay, who do we pick?" Katie smiled and said, "I say we choose Ginny and Parvati." "What about Hermione?" Harry asked angrily, "She got every shot in!" Katie sighed and said, "Hermione will take every shot if you let her in!" Harry looked at Ron and he said to Katie, "Hermione's got every move down pat, do you see her fake and she got it in anyway?! She's perfect!" "You guys are only saying that because she's your best friend." Harry had enough of this, "I'm the captain and I'm going to choose Hermione and Ginny, got it?" Ron nodded in agreement, so did Anthony and he said, "I agree with Harry, Hermione is perfect for this team." Katie finally agreed.

Harry went back to the other players and said,

"Okay, we've made a decision, Ginny Weasley," Ginny smiled, "... and Hermione Granger." Hermione squeeled and Harry said, "Now Ginny, Hermione practice starts tomorrow after lunch, will give you your uniforms there." They nodded.

Everyone left the Quidditch Pitch except Harry, he was still flying. His thoughts went back to the kiss they almosted shared, Harry wanted to kiss her so bad,why am I thinking about Hermione this way? Sure I wanted to kiss her, she's a beautiful woman, but am I falling in love with her? No Harry don't think that, she's your best friend, she probably doesn't like you that way. Then Harry thought back to the grin they shared after the try-out, or does she?

Then Harry thought back to the grin they shared after the try-out, or does she?

Only time can tell, his conscience said, the one that had Hermione's voice.

Harry sighed and pushed his new broom towards the castle. He flew directly to the Common room windows and stepped in. He ran up the stairs and, once in the dormitory, pulled out from one of his drawers the charmed Galleon for the DA meetings. He put the tip of his wand to it and changed the numbers.

"It is time we start this again, you reckon?"

Harry spun around to meet the stranger, as he hadn't recognized the voice. Neville was standing in the thresold, leaning on the wall. He smiled to Harry, and he nodded. Neville looked pleased with himself, and said,

"Perfect. I have studied quite some new things this summer, and if you will be happy, I would like to teach our other members some cool tricks. Actually, Harry, we couldeach teach the others some personal useful trick. You could give assignements, like telling each of us to find a new curse for the next meeting or something. Also, Harry, if you don't mind I suggest it, we could expand a bit more, getting new members. After all, the Room of Requirement would give us enough space to fit an army. And since we are an army after all, we should get new members, cause we would need them if anything like the Death Eater attack at the carriages would happen again..."

Harry stared at Neville as he continued listing improvements they could do to the DA. They were all quite good in Harry's opinion, only he wouldn't have imagined Neville suggesting them. Probably after the events at the ministry last summer, he had grown up. This was a new Neville, and a better one indeed. Harry was astonished a person could change so thoroughly in two months, but he was happy Neville had.

As he thought about this, Harry only decided one thing. He'd be a friend to Neville from now on.

As he thought about this, Harry only decided one thing. He'd be a friend to Neville from now on.

“Thanks, Neville. I’ll try to improve by using your… amazing opinions,” said Harry.

“If you have any more, just tell me.”

Neville blushed a bit.

“Thanks, Harry.”

“No problem,” said Harry, as Neville started ranting again.

*~*

Harry was trying to remember Neville’s suggestions for the DA to list them when Hermione entered the Gryffindor common room, red from the excitement of being chosen as chaser. “Hi, Harry!” said Hermione happily.

“Hey Hermione,” Harry replied.

“What’s wrong? You look… a bit distracted,” said Hermione, worrying if he was ill.

“Nothing’s wrong. In fact, everything’s great… apart from the homework of course…” said Harry, not taking his eyes off the paper. “Hey Hermione, did you notice Neville’s… really changed?” asked Harry.

“Noticed? Harry! Everyone noticed!” exclaimed Hermione. “Well, everyone in Neville’s class did… Just remembered you dropped Herbology…”

“Oh…”

“What are you doing there? I don’t think you’ll be doing homework right after the try-outs…” said Hermione, peering over his shoulders.

“Oh, this? It’s some suggestions from Neville for improving the DA,” said Harry, showing her the long list.

“Neville? Let me see…” said Hermione as she scanned the list. Harry watched her eyes going blurry with excitement, which Harry was familiar with, since she did it every time she opened a textbook. He watched her as her mouth opened and he distinctly heard an utter of a soft “Wow…”

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The next day after a scrumptious dinner, with the Maurader’s map enabled, the trio walked up to the corridor with the enormous tapestry showing Barnabas the Barmy being thwarted by the moth-eaten trolls. They walked across a certain bit three times, concentrating on what they needed.

Soon, a high and polished red door appeared out of nowhere and they entered it, and the humongous room with all sorts of books and Dark Detectors appeared. The room was buzzing with excitement about restarting the most useful and exhilerating club ever. Surprisingly, all of the DA members were already there, including Zacharias Smith. As Harry put his hand in the air, the buzzing instantly vanished.

“Thank you,” said Harry. “First, I want to welcome back every one of you.
“Now, we will be starting with a lesser form of an Unforgivable Curse.” At this, there was a lot of murmuring with either excitement or fear. “However, this spell is not illegal.” And the murmuring instantly quieted.

“The wand movement is like this,” said Harry as he demonstrated it. “And the incantation is lussum mentis. Then, say the order clearly to your opponent. However, this spell will not work for a person who doesn’t take orders well. If you do it correctly, pink smoke will come out of your wand,” explained Harry.”
So… I reckon we should divide into pairs… and start.”

So… I reckon we should divide into pairs… and start.”

Every one began to move into pairs, as harry walked around. Ron had paired up with Hermione, and began to say the spell, sending pink smoke toward Hermione hitting her squarely.

Ron froze for a moment not knowing what to tell her to do. "Ummm, Go and slap malfoy." Hermione just stood there for a moment, but harry could have sworn that she had rolled her eyes.

Hermione took three steps forward, and slapped Ron telling him to go do it himself. While several of the DA members looked at harry to see what he was laughing about.

The other DA members had mixed results, getting the spell wrong, getting it right and the other person shook their head no, or several people were now doing things that they normally wouldn't do.

Hermione tried her hand at the enchantment again, sending pink smoke at Ron.
"Ron, go give Harry a big kiss." Ron puckered his lips and began toward Harry.

Harry blanched, then did the first thing that came to his mind... RUN LIKE HELL.

"RON SNAP OUT OF IT, you dont want to do this. I dont want you to do this."

Harry ran weaving in and out of the DA members hoping to lose Ron, but the weasley's long legs let him catch up and grab Harry's left arm.

Harry was trapped, and Ron's puckered lips were getting closer. Harry did the only thing he could do, he reached out for some thing, anything and his hand found the head of a certain blonde ravenclaw, whos father owned the quibbler.

Pulling her over and placeing her face directly infront of Rons. Harry thanked who ever thought it would be a good idea to close your eyes before you kissed some one that thankfully Rons eyes were closed and didn't realize the new person.

Ron began to kiss her and his grip on harrys arm loosened and fell. Harry walked quickly and quietly away saying, "Some one is soooo going to get jumping jacks for this."

Harry walked quickly and quietly away saying, "Some one is soooo going to get jumping jacks for this."

Everyone was staring at Ron kissing Luna. Harry realized that Ron was not the only one with his eyes close because Luna's pruterberent ones were too.

He found Hermione next to him. "Isn't that cute. Now, I'm having second thoughts about lifting the spell," she whispered to him.

"Well, I don't mind them staying like that for a while but we do have to get on with our DA practice," Harry said with an equally amused look on his face.

Hermione lifted the spell from Ron but he was seemingly enjoying what he was doing. he was holding Luna by her waist and judging from how he was touching her hair. Harry knew that his bestfriend was already aware of who he was kissing. Luna was not doing anything to stop him either.

"Break it up you guys or you might as well get a room," Ginny said.

Ron and Luna realized that every single person in the room was watching them. The two broke apart and were scarlet red on the face.

Ron and Luna realized that every single person in the room was watching them. The two broke apart and were scarlet red on the face.

*~*
Everyone in the room broke into uncontrollable laughter as soon as the soon-to-be couple broke apart. “Want me to do the spell on you again Ron?” said Hermione.

“Ickle Ronniekins is all grown up now!!!” teased Harry.

“Shut up,” said Ron, in a kind of stuttering tone. The laughter died away after five minutes and the room was filled with pink smoke again. The cries of “lussum mentis” restarted and the trio went back to practising.

Neville, who was partenered with Ginny this time, fought off the spell after ten minutes, leaving him sweaty. It seemed like all the members were trying extra hard to fight off the spell, or it was just because they didn’t want to end up like Ron. In only about twenty minutes of practising after the Ron&Luna incident, it seemed like everybody in the room could fight off the spell, all except Ron.

The familiar blow of the whistle rang in the air, and everyone lowered their wands and looked up at Harry. “Why don’t we start on another spell?” he suggested. “We still have half an hour left and it looks like most of you can fight off this one.”

The members instantly began to murmur again. Harry pressed on, “Why don’t we try… motum statua?” The members now wore an inquiring look. “The motum statua charm is a spell used to move immobile things around. If the… caster is good enough, he or she can perform it on multiple objects. This charm is pretty advanced, but so are you,” Harry explained and complimented.

“I think we should get out the cushions and practise on them. Or we could use books too,” suggested Hermione.

“Yeah, probably.”

The members slowly brought out a cushion or a book out of the corners and shelves and soon the room was filled with the cries of “motum statua.”

*~*

The members slowly brought out a cushion or a book out of the corners and shelves and soon the room was filled with the cries of “motum statua.”

Minutes later things were flying around the room, mainly cusions and books, but as Harry was feeling a little mischevious, Hermione flew across the room a few times as he was paired with her; Ron had suddenly decided he needed to "Help" Luna with her charms.

"Hey!" She yelled as she felt her feet leave the floor again.

"What?"

"Put me down this instant!"

"I'm not doing anything," Harry lied as she floated a metre off the floor.

"Harry!"

"What?" He reapeated as he flicked his wand slightly, causing her to move across the room over a large pile of disguarded cusions.

"Put me down!" She demanded

"Okay." He let her fall softly on to the pile and laughed as she yelped when a barrage of cusions were sent her way by the other DA members.

"Right, I think we've got that one down." Harry said still smiling at his best friend struggling from the comfortable mound.

He ganced at his watch and his eyes instantly grew wide. "Umm...It seems we have run slightly over, so if you could keep you're eye on the coins for the next lesson, I'll see you all again then," he said, dismissing them.

"Oh, and you might want to avoid the teachers. It's a little after curfew," he called after them.

He wasn't at all supprised to see Ron leaving with Luna and heading in completely the wrong direction for the common room.

"Looks like Ron's found a new best friend" He commented as Hermione finally extracted herself from the cusions.

"Yeah. Looks like it, and now you're gonna loose one," she answered, pretending to be angry with him.

"Ah, come on. It was funny."

"Maybe for you."

"Yeah, but it was for you too. Admitt it."

"It was not."

"Liar."

"Whatever."

"Are you just gonna stand there?" He asked as he began clearing the books and cusions away.

"Ummm...yes, I think I am," she said watching him.

"Why are you still here then?"

"Well....

Well...

"I just wanted to tell you something," began Hermione as she walked toward Harry. "What?" said Harry curiously. "It's just that..." Then Hermione was interrupted by... Cho Chang, "Harry, I wanted to talk to..." She saw Hermione was there and she said almost nicely, "Hello Granger." Her face a little red with anger. Hermione smiled a fake smile and said as Cho did,

"Hello Chang." Cho walked right past her and said to Harry, "I needed to talk to you about the Quidditch next week." Hermione's face was getting redder with anger as she stormed out,

"I'll just leave you two alone..." Harry noticed a tear running down her face, he looked back at Cho and said, "What about the match next week?" Cho grinned as she started to undo his tie, "I think we should get to know each other, a little better before the match." She moved her face close to his when...

Hermione ran back in, her face blood red with anger, she went to Cho and said, "You...will...never...touch...Harry...again! Let's go Harry!" She grabbed Harry's hand and they were almost out when Cho said,

"I guess you want his fortune, don't you Granger?" Hermione turned around and said, "Excuse me?" Cho repeated what she said and Hermione scowled, "What? I like Harry for who he is, unlike you, who would take a man for what he's worth!" Cho went up to Hermione and slapped her. Harry was going for his wand when Hermione punched Cho in the jaw. Cho was knocked back a couple feet and Hermione said to Harry,

"Let's just leave her." Harry nodded in agreement and they heard Cho whisper, "You'll never have Harry, you're just a bushy-haired, buck-toothed, bookworm." Hermione looked down and Harry saw a few tears fall from her eyes.

Harry pulled out his wand, walked up to Cho, put his wand put her eyes and said, "Never insult Hermione again, or you'll look like a worm yourself." Cho laughed a little bit, "Like you would do it to a lady." Harry had enough, he shouted, "REDUCTO!" Cho was shot back and she hit the bookshelves and fell into a heap. Harry went back to Hermione and said, "Let's go." She nodded and they heard Cho again, whispering to Harry, "You'll come back to me, I know you will."

Harry then whispered back to her, "I will never come back to you again, I hate you." Then that was that, Harry and Hermione left for Gryffindor Tower.

Harry then whispered back to her, "I will never come back to you again, I hate you." Then that was that, Harry and Hermione left for Gryffindor Tower.

As the Portrait came into view Hermione broke the silence surrounding the couple.

"Harry, you didn't really have to do that."

"Yes I did. No one insults you and get s away with it."

"But you like her-"

"WHAT? No I don't! I used too, but then I went out with her on that date from hell and I realized she is the most annoying person ever to live, and all she wanted to have is me on her arm as a 'Trophy' and I wasn't going to let that happen."

"But she's so pretty, most guys would kill to be with her."

"Yeah, well, I'm not most guys am I? I actually think about who I like....now anyway." He added

"Password?" the Fat Lady asked

"String Mints," Hermione answered.

The portrait swung open revealing the warm, glowing, common room and their mutual best friend sprawled over the couch looking very happy.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione questioned.

"What happened to Loopy?" Harry asked

"Don't call her that," Ron snapped "And she's in her common room, she had to go a few munites ago. Filch almost caught us."

"So why are you looking so happy?"

"Why do you think mate?" Ron answered dreamily.

"He's getting as bad as Luna." Harry muttered under his breath to Hermione.

"Oh I doubt thats even possible!"

"He's getting as bad as Luna." Harry muttered under his breath to Hermione.
"Oh I doubt thats even possible!"

"You guys I'm here and you're actually talking about Luna like she's some weird person," ron said indignantly.

"Actually, she is in a nice sort of way. You actually had a far more unlikely notion of her way back last year," Hermione contested.

Harry had to laugh on Ron's reaction.

"I did not," he retorted.

"Did too," Hermione answered back.

"Well, maybe I did but it's different now. She's pretty and is a very good kisser you know," Ron commented and was looking outside the window dreamily.

"We weren't asking for any description," Hermione said with disgust.

"I'm happy for you mate," Harry said as he clapped Ron's back.

Ron smiled at his best friend and stuck his tongue out at Hermione before he ran up to their dormitory.

"Prat!" Hermione called after him.

"He seriously got it bad for her," Harry said.

"I'm actually glad he is," Hermione remarked with a smile on her face.


---------

"He seriously got it bad for her," Harry said.

"I'm actually glad he is," Hermione remarked with a smile on her face.

Harry looked at Hermione. "I understand," he said. "Once you know how perfectly glorious it is to be in love you want to share the wealth."

Hermione looked thoughtful. "Hmm, now that you put it that way...let's go look it up in the library..." She caught Harry's look, and grinned. "Or not. Do you have it bad for me?"

Harry felt his face burn, and was relieved when Hermione put her cool and reassuring hand on his cheek. "Thank you for defending me against Cho," she said softly. "No matter what I said, I think it's very sweet."

Harry felt his face burn, and was relieved when Hermione put her cool and reassuring hand on his cheek. "Thank you for defending me against Cho," she said softly. "No matter what I said, I think it's very sweet."

Harry gazed into her eyes, smiling, a tender glow in his eyes. Hermione, in fact, noticed that with each new day, his entire countenance was more and more starting to resemble Dumbledore's gentle compassion and wisdom. He, Harry, has grown up in an atrocious environment, yet came out on top, now standing in the greatest school of witchcraft and wizardry, studying the glance of the smartest witch to ever attend Hogwards. Indeed, life was good, with its warm blanket of affection enveloping the two friends...

Without warning, world sprang, picking up the speed - the race, with high speeds, with delirious blurs, surrounded them...until they realized it wasn't their emotions conducting the insane symphony!!! Harry and Hermione were, in fact, racing in a torpedo of colours, without fully realizing it. In fact, they didn't even feel time slowing down at all! All they saw was a flush of colour, hurrying past them, and theit own flesh going through walls, speeding away from the common room!

Harry looked down at his hand and noticed it involuntarily clutching Hermione's gentle one; her face showed tenseness and worry; her eyes closed fiercely, and she cried alarmingly,
"WHAT'S GOING ON, HARRY?!"

He moved his now tensing up from exhaustion of travel neck to the front, confused at the happenings, and squeezed Hermione's hand even harder,
"I DON'T KNOW!"

They sped past Hogwards grounds, unable to reach their wands or even move much.

"Of course!" Hermione bellowed in a manner Harry has never heard her speak before, "Celeritas Tractus curse! The relativistic speeds reenactment! This is surreal, Harry, all we say is monitored while OUR time is slowed down for the observer! DON'T THINK OF ANYTHING IMPORTANT, WE'RE BEING WATCHED!"

Harry did not understand any of what she said except for her order, and his mind, as if controlled by a higher force, jumped to Sirius and the prophecy. His face contorted in a desperate attempt to keep thoughts from flowing; Harry, for the first time, felt completely helpless, even with Hermione, his companion by his side; he felt totally stripped of self-power, and even the thought of this vulnerability was enough to keep him even more helpless.

"WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER!" he heard Hermione yell, "LISTEN TO ME, FIGHT THIS! WE NEED TO DECIDE ON A JOYFUL MEMORY, ONLY THEN CAN WE CONQUER THIS!" she screamed as the duo whooshed past the barely distinguishable in the crazy trip Big Ben.
Both Harry's and Hermione's minds, without any collaboration, concentrated on a certain spark, on a certain space in time, and, after what seemed like 5 minutes, the two friends felt a powerful wave stopping their furious motion, bringing them to a halt in from of Eiffel Tower.

Hermione's eyes widened as she looked at the beautiful structure, illuminated in the bare hours of the evening. Harry glanced at her, trying to comprehend the recent events.

"Time..." she started saying slowly, "Is relative. So is everything else in the world - even curses. This is one of the forbidden encantations, Harry...we were travelling at more than half the speed of light! Harry, we probably made a circle around England twice in a period of 10 minutes! HARRY THIS IS MIND CONTROL, WORST TYPE OF IT!"

Hermione seemed to have lost all her temper as she crushed down onto the ground, weeping in desperation. Harry kneeled down and put his arms around her shoulders, graced by the bushy brown hair.

"Einstein," Hermione squeezed in between sobs, "Said time was relative," and dark forces --another sob-- "know how to manipulate that...leaving us mind-boggled. Did you feel it?" she turned around to look at Harry as a stray group of little kids ran by, shouting in French.

"Feel what?" Harry replied dryly.

"The thoughts! The memories! The...death," Hermione wept once more, looking up at the blur of red that was a French lady in a scarlet sweater.

"Your death..." she finally whispered.
~~~~~

"The thoughts! The memories! The...death," Hermione wept once more, looking up at the blur of red that was a French lady in a scarlet sweater.

"Your death..." she finally whispered.

"How can I feel my death? I'm right here with you. I don't exactly understand all these things but I know for certain we have to find our way back to Hogwarts," Harry said as he helped Hermione up.

Hermione suddenly hugged Harry as if desperately clutching him for dear life. "I don't want to feel that way ever again. I don't want you to die. I don't think I'd be able to deal with it," she whispered in between sobs.

"But I'm not going to die. Look at me," Harry said as he gentle took her face and cupped it in his hand.

Tears were streaming down her cheeks and sadness was reflected in her chocolate brown eyes.

"I promise you that I won't die. This is a battle that I will win. I'm not going to let anything happen to you or to anyone who is close to me. I also don't want to die because I now I know that if I die I will be hurting you," he said and he held her tightly. "We have to get back to Hogwarts now. We have to find a way to get back."

"We have to get back to Hogwarts now. We have to find a way to get back."

"Okay," Hermione said. She was now drying her tears after hearing Harry's words. She looked around, taking in her surroundings. They were at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower. She had already been here, the summer after second year and even some times before Hogwarts had accepted her. She had, of course, taken the occasion to learn a bit of French. She was also pretty familiar with Paris. Since Harry had never left Privet Drive with the Dursleys, she decided it was in her hands to take them out of this situation.

Harry had been watching her as she thought. He was sorry she had been sad because of him. He swore to himself that his promise to Hermione would hold true.

So, now, to get from Paris to Hogwarts.

Hermione had read all about the Magical installments of France. She knew somewhere in Paris there was a place like Diagon Alley, where they could buy some Floo and contact Dumbledore. She knew it was near the Arc de Triomphe, and to get there they would have to walk a great deal.

Hermione didn't even look at Harry when they started walking, afraid she would start crying again. hey simply intertwined their hands and headed towards Rue des Etoilles.

Hermione didn't even look at Harry when they started walking, afraid she would start crying again. hey simply intertwined their hands and headed towards Rue des Etoilles.

Harry asked a passer-by if he knew where the Arc de Triomphe was.

As the man didn't understand, Hermione stepped in : "Excusez-nous, nous sommes anglais. Est-ce que vous savez où se trouve l'arc de Triomphe, s'il vous plait?"

Twenty minutes later, they were in front of the monument. Hermione looked around her frantically. Harry asked, "Is there a problem?"

"Yes, the door must be under a bridge."

"Well, are you sure about this?" gesturing to the Arc de Triomphe.

Hermione nodded, before remembering that there were two monuments with this name in Paris.

It was simply the other one, 'L'arc de Triomphe du carroussel.'

So she decided to ask the waiter of the nearest cafe.

The man told her : "Le plus simple, c'est de prendre le métro" (the easiest way is the tube), before looking at their hands, still entwined. Then, he continued "mais si vous préférez marcher, remontez les champs Elysees, et ensuite traversez le jardin des Tuileries. Mais je vous préviens, c'est assez loin" (if you prefer, walk up the Champs Elysées, then through the jardin des tuileries, but it's quite far from here).

Hermione thanked him. Half an hour later, they arrived at Place de la Concorde, and went into the Jardin des Tuileries (it's a park).

But Harry was hungry, and when Hermione heard his stomach, she laughed and told him, "Well, it's quite beautiful here, maybe I can conjure a picnic so we can eat here." Harry looked at her, then answered, "Yes it is". Hermione blushed, before hiding behind trees to conjure the food.

But Harry was hungry, and when Hermione heard his stomach, she laughed and told him, "Well, it's quite beautiful here, maybe I can conjure a picnic so we can eat here." Harry looked at her, then answered, "Yes it is". Hermione blushed, before hiding behind trees to conjure the food.

Harry was a little bit worried. "Hermione, you've just used magic. What about the ministry?"

"Don't worry, Harry, we're in France; laws are different here," Hermione replied.

After the meal, they reluctantly got up and started walking to the Louvre.

Once in front of the Louvre, Hermione stood there, looking at the old palace. Harry followed her gaze, and asked her what the problem was. "You know, I've never visited it," Hermione answered.

Harry quickly understood, and told her, "Don't worry, after the end of the war, I'll bring you back here, and we will visit everything."

Hermione smiled brightly, and said, "Thanks Harry." Harry took her hand and led her to the bridge.

There, they faced one big problem: Hermione didn't know how to go into the wizarding place. So, she decided that they had to take their wands out, to be recognized as wizards. They waited a bit, but a young woman with a rest under her arm soon arrived : "Que faites-vous ici? N'importe qui pourrait vous voir." (what are you doing here? Anyone could see you)

Hermione answered. "Nous voulons contacter le professeur Dumbledore, mais on ne sait pas comment" (we want to join Dumbledore, but we don't know how).

"Venez avec moi." (come with me)

She went to the wall, but stopped and looked at them. "Au fait, je m'appelle Marie-Amélie." (by the way, I'm Marie-Amélie)

"Moi, c'est Hermione, et mon ami s'appelle Harry. Vous êtes peintre?"(I'm Hermione, and my friend is Harry. Are you a painter?)

"Oui, mais en ce moment, je fais des portraits au fusain à MontMartre pour les touristes. D'ailleurs, si vous voulez, je peux vous dessiner tous les deux." (yes, but, for the moment, I make drawings in Montmartre. If you want, I can make one for you)

Hermione blushed slightly, but said, "Avec plaisir, mais pas tout de suite, nos amis doivent être inquiets, ils ne savent pas où nous sommes" (with pleasure, but not now, our friends must be worried, they don't know where we are.").

Marie-Amélie smiled and tapped a few bricks. A door appeared.

Marie-Amélie smiled and tapped a few bricks. A door appeared.

When Harry went through the door, he was surprised to notice that there seemed to be only clothes stores and jewelry. But he remembered that during the triwizard tournament, french witches seemed to be very interested in fashion.

He didn't really know what to do now that they were here, but hoped that Hermione had a plan.

Fortunately, Marie-Amélie spoke. "Il y a une cheminée publique un peu plus loin. Je vais vous conduire" (there's a public fireplace. I'll lead you there), and Hermione was glad to translate it for him.

A few minutes later, they found the fireplace. It was impossible to floo to Hogwarts. So, they called the Headmaster's office. Ginny was the only one there, and she had obviously cried. She told them that everyone was searching for them and she had had to stay here to wait in case they would call. Harry told her to calm herself and explained their situation. Ginny answered that she would contact Dumbledore. They only had to stay where they were and someone would come as quickly as possible.

Harry went back to Hermione and Marie-Amélie. "Well, it seems we'll have to stay here a little bit more."

Obviously, if Marie-Amélie couldn't speak english, she was at least able to understand it, because she smiled and told Hermione: "Alors je vais avoir le temps de faire un dessin de ton petit ami et toi" (Then, I'll have time to make a drawing of your boyfriend and you).

Hermione blushed and replied "Ce n'est pas..." (he's not...), but Marie-Amélie didn't seem to care. "ça vous fera un souvenir de Paris" (it will be a gift to remember Paris).

Hermione translated, and Harry quickly said that he agreed.

When Lupin and Tonks arrived through the fireplace, the drawing was nearly finished. Lupin told Harry and Hermione that he had brought a portkey. They decided to wait a few minutes before going back, to let Marie-Amélie give the last touch to her work. After all, this place was safe, and they had a Portkey if they had a problem.

When Marie-Amélie was satisfied, she gave the paper to Lupin, who duplicated it, while Harry gave a few galleons to Marie-Amélie.

Harry and Hermione said goodbye to Marie-Amélie, before touching the box of Bertie Bott's every flavor beans that Lupin showed them. Harry chuckled a bit, thinking that Dumbledore was without any doubt the one who had made it. His smile faltered when he felt the familiar jerk behind his navel.

Harry and Hermione said goodbye to Marie-Amélie, before touching the box of Bertie Bott's every flavor beans that Lupin showed them. Harry chuckled a bit, thinking that Dumbledore was without any doubt the one who had made it. His smile faltered when he felt the familiar jerk behind his navel.

In a flash of color, Harry felt his feet touch the ground in a familiar-looking office; he squeezed Hermione's hand gently to Tonks' and Lupin's grinning glances.

"Where's Dumbledore?" Harry looked around, all the well-known details of impressive-looking room meeting his gaze.

As if to answer his question, a disturbed-looking headmaster walked in the room hurriedly, Professor McGonnagal at his heels.

"Harry! Hermione!" he muttered, "You're ok..."

Harry had never seen Professor Dumbledore this worried.

"Minerva, we need them inspected... here. No one is to know about this; their absence has been felt deeply; we need an excuse," he said, the ancient glance darting from wall to wall, "We don't want trouble here again... Lupin, Tonks, I need to talk to you."

As the headmaster led the latter two away to the corner of his huge office, Professor McGonnagal summoned Harry and Hermione to her with a stern, "this-is-urgent" look.

Placing her wand on top of the two friends' heads, she read a complicated incantation and stared at the wand. Apparently, finding nothing out of order, she relaxed her glare and looked at Harry and Hermione with a motherly affection; in fact, Hermione could have sworn to having seen a strange tear-looking glitter in the implacable Professor's eyes.

"All is fine, Albus..." she breathed out with relief, her chest heaving up and falling tiredly down, as if from exhaustion.

Dumbledore walked up to the two, now much more relaxed, and motioned them to sit down at two magically appearing chairs in front of his desk. After dismissing everyone else in the room, he sighed deeply and took a seat, finally returning to his grand, majestic image he was remembered by everywhere.

"Mr. Potter... Ms. Granger," he spoke slowly, almost gravely, and to Harry surprise, using 'Potter' in the place of familiar, 'Harry,' "Do you fully comprehend today's events?"

Hermione raised her eyes to meet Dumbledore's, and nodded silently.

"Proceed then, Ms. Granger."

Hermione stirred uncomfortably, and spang to her explanation. "As far as I understand, Celeritas Tractus curse has been savagely conjured to make us travel in a certain space through a certain time. The diagonal motion," she glanced at the confused Harry, "of our path has enabled whoever conjured the spell... read our thoughts."

Dumbledore smiled at Harry's befuddled expression and approvingly nodded,
"That's correct, Ms. Granger. May the time be not appropriate...I shall still add 20 points to Gryffindor." The Headmaster's smile now dissapeared and his face returned to its serious expression, "Now, Mr. Potter, to clear up any confusion, you must understand the essence of time travel. Speed, Mr. Potter, is achieved through going a greater distance in a shorter period of time. Celeritas Tractus is a curse used to increase speed of its object, in this case, you and Ms. Granger."

Harry has never heard Dumbledore explaining anything scientific before...the fact the latter was talking of speed and other scientific terms made him seem almost a muggle.

"Now, as you travel at great rates, to a stationary observer, your clock will seem to slow down. To you, no change will be felt - since you're travelling with the fast-moving space. Remember, Harry," Dumbledore involuntarily resorted to first names, "to the conjurer, your time slows down; that is, your thoughts slow down, which makes them possible to read; it also means putting thoughts into your mind becomes easy, even though you are travelling at immeasurable speeds...And since you're travelling so fast, yet your time runs slow compared to everyone else, you age less, and upon your return to the stationary state, you are younger, you beat time, you travel forward..."

Harry's glance travelled to Hermione, a pleading expression in his eyes, "Does all this mean, Professor, right here, now, is the future?"

Dumbledore nodded gravely, "Since you travelled at fast speeds, and your time slowed down but this time has been flowing just as it had always, you have missed a day here, in Hogwards. Now, tell me, have you felt as if you were...looking into the future during your travel?"

Hermione's eyes widened at headmaster's question.

"Ms. Granger?" he surveyed Hermione with a stern look, "Would you like to share?"

"I...I saw Harry...he was in his Quiddich uniform and he - well he - was no more," she looked down at the floor a tear rolling down her cheek. Harry looked at her, breathing heavily.

"Ms. Granger - Hermione -" Dumbledore proceeded alarmingly, "what you saw is future according to how the conjurer set it. He changed the flow of events, making sure you missed yesterday, because of an event that could turn to his demise, happened yesterday. What it is, is yet to be known and comprehended. You need to find that event through any means possible, to turn the tide of future towards yourself - only then can you avoid what Ms. Granger saw...the conjurer -"

"Is Voldemort," Harry finished, anger flushing his insides.

"Is Voldemort," Harry finished, anger flushing his insides.

"Yes Harry. It could quiet possibly have been Voldemort. And now, he knows all of the thoughts in your head while the incantation was taking place. We can only hope he didn't learn anything that could help him in his fight against us, or anyway that would bring down his biggest enemy." Dumbledore said mournfully.

"Me," Harry whispered

Dumbledore nodded as Hermione held back the tears that threated to escape.

"Don't worry Mione." He soothed taking hold of her hand that was sitting in her lap.

"Everything will be fine. I wasn't thinking about anything that could help him or hurt-" Oh no, Harry thought suddenly.

"Harry?" Dumbledore asked even more concerned than he was before.

The teen looked up into the old mans face.

"I was." he said distraught.

The teen looked up into the old mans face.

"I was." he said distraught.

Hermione’s sobbing suddenly paused. She slowly looked into Harry’s emerald eyes with her tear-filled chocolate-brown ones.

Harry’s mouth was hanging open in shock. He was trying to concentrate on something else that was pleasant, but that happened to be something that could help Voldemort.

“Harry?” Hermione spoke softly, wiping her tears from her cheeks.

“What were you thinking of Harry?” came Dumbledore’s calm and a bit wheezing voice.

Harry couldn’t believe it. He tried so hard not to concentrate on something that could help Voldemort, but he had.

“I was thinking about…” Harry began, but couldn’t finish it.

“It’s okay, Harry. You can tell me, can’t you?” said Hermione, placing her hand on his back, trying to calm him.

“I was… thinking about…” Harry began slowly. He swallowed and let the word slip out of his mouth. “Hermione…”

“I was… thinking about…” Harry began slowly. He swallowed and let the word slip out of his mouth. “Hermione…”

"Hermione... if he figures out any connection, Voldemort will try to hurt you, knowing full well that I'll come to save you... just like Sirius." Harry was begining to tremble slightly, the fear at losing Hermione couldn't be kept out of his voice.

Dumbledore began to speak, not giving any one a chance to flinch or add their thoughts. "Harry, Voldemort has shown no interest in capturing any one, and as long as Miss Granger stays here at Hogwarts, or at Headquarters, no one will be able to get her. And I dare say that you will be monitering the situation closely as well? You have already shown that you can take care of yourself, and protect your friends as well."

"I almost got them killed."

Dumbledore chuckled softly, "But none of them suffered any lasting damage, when they were fighting a vastly supiriour force of some of Voldemorts most powerful Death eaters. And remember Harry, a number of them did have to go to St. Mungo's before they were led to Azkaban. You did a fine job of leading them Harry, injuries are to be expected when dueling."

Dumbledore looked at a Grandfather clock on the far wall, "Ah, I think it is time for the both of you to return to your dorm rooms. I believe that Gryffindor is playing Ravenclaw tomorrow first thing in the morning."

"Oh Harry, we forgot all about it." Hermione seemed a little worried, although forgetting something for Hermione is something to worry about.

Harry got a dark look on his face and muttered, "Yeah I'm going to enjoy stomping them quickly, just to see the look on Cho's face."

"Come on Harry it's been a long day... well at least for every one else it has."

"Hey its been a long day for me too, time travel always makes me sleepy."

The two headed up to Gryffindor tower and to their dorms.

~~~~

Early the next morning the entire team had a quick breakfast and ran down to the pitch to get ready, Harry having his Thunderbolt slung over his shoulder and Hermione having his firebolt slung over hers. Students were already begining to gather to watch the game.

It was only minutes before, the entire school was out and the Ravenclaw team was presant. Madam Hooch was out motioning the team captains forward to shake hands. Harry did so grudgingly, the less contact he had with Cho the better for every one around him... including himself and Cho.

"Alright is every one ready... good... GO!" She let the balls loose.

Colin Creevy the new commentator, "Oi, looks like new Gryffindor Chaser Hermione Granger is going for the first shot of the game. She's going... goooinnnng... SCORE. Ten to zip, Gryffindor."

Harry in the meantime had already seen the snitch and could have gotten it before Hermione had even touched the quaffle, but let it disapear, he wanted to have a bit more fun than that. Currently he was just leading a bludger on a merry chase around the pitch waiting for the opportunity to spring his trap, and there was Cho innocently looking for the snitch that she had no hope of ever catching.

Harry slowed a little to make sure that his body blocked sight of the iron ball before he flew right at Cho. Harry barrel rolled right, while the heavier ball connected with Cho's stomach, and knocked her off her broom.

"Oh, Ravenclaw seeker Chang takes a bludger to the gut, and falls from her broom."

"Mr. Creevy you shouldn't say that about women."

"Say what?"

"Never mind."

Shortly after Cho got back on her broom, Harry came to realize that Hermione had scored another five goals, Ginny had scored four, and Kate had score five. While Andrew and Jack did nothing that would in any way show that they were beaters.

Harry began to formulate another plan, and took off like he had seen the snitch, which he did but Harry went in the opposite direction he saw it in with Cho hot on his heels. Harry kept Cho just behind him as he headed for the Ravenclaw Goal posts.

The Ravenclaw Keeper never saw Cho slam into him when Harry dove out of them way. Hermione, Ginny and Katie managed to score another four goals before the keeper was back in the air.

"TWO HUNDRED TO NOTHING, GRYFFINDOR. Keeper Ron weasley is on his game today, and so are all the Chasers, and every one is waiting for Potter to catch the snitch and win the game."

"You need to be unbiased Mr. Creevy."

"It was unbiased Professor McGonnagal. Everyone agrees that Harry's the best. Just look at him."

Cho was eyeing Harry now, and Harry was convinced that none of his tricks would work anymore, so he decided to end the game and catch the snitch that had been over by the Gryffindor goals.

Harry shot off toward the snitch which was now on its way down closer to the pitch. Harry flipped and pulled a tight highspeed turn to follow and Cho did the same, her broom couldn't handle the turn bucked once when the head buried itself in the dirt and sent Cho face first into the mud. While Harry sped forward and snatched the snitch deftly from the air.

"GRYFFINDOR WINS, THREE HUNDRED FIFTY TO NADA." Colin was jumping up and down hugging McGonnagal and she was doing the same.

"GRYFFINDOR WINS, THREE HUNDRED FIFTY TO NADA." Colin was jumping up and down hugging McGonnagall and she was doing the same.

Harry and the Gryffindor team landed safely on the ground. The Gryffindor crowd was cheering and singing....

A lot of the students were commending the chasers for their superb work... Ron was enjoying the crowd chanting the good version of Weasley is our King and the majority of the crowd was cheering, "Hail to the new captain."

Harry made his way to Hermione and the rest of the team. "You were brilliant Hermione!" He complimented her.

"Not as good as you were. You practically played with Cho up there," Hermione replied.

"Just following Oliver Wood's advice," Harry said.

Ron came up to them both. "Hey you two let's head to the tower. We'll have a party. Meet the two of you there. Just have to sneak in Luna," Ron said as he disappeared in the crowd.

Harry and Hermione joined the crowd as they all went their way out of the pitch.

Harry and Hermione joined the crowd as they all went their way out of the pitch.

"You really were great," Harry said as they entered the enterance hall

"Thanks. It was my first real match so I was a little nervous, but once I scored I was fine."

"I know."

"So, you were playing with Cho, weren't you?" She said smiling

"Maybe a little bit," he admitted

"How did I know?"

"She wasn't concentrating on her game. She was pretty easy to fool."

"I could tell," she laughed.

The thronging crowd pushed the pair up the marble stairs and straight towards the Gyrffindor common room, they didn't even have to look where they were going.

"So is it better watching or playing?" Harry asked

"Playing. Definately. Watching was a little boring to be honest."

"I know. I'm happy you're not bored with Quidditch anymore. It gives us something else to talk about doesn't it? Not that we need it," He added looking sideways at her.

"Yep. Now I won't get bored when you and Ron go off into talking about it incessiantly!"

"We don't talk about it that much!" he defended

"No, just for a few hours every day," She countered.

"Yeah, thats not a lot."

"Nooo," she said sarcastically "Not a lot at all!"

"Yep. Now I won't get bored when you and Ron go off into talking about it incessiantly!"
"We don't talk about it that much!" he defended
"No, just for a few hours everyday." She countered.
"Yeah, thats not alot."
"Nooo." She said sarcastically "Not alot at all!"

Harry and Hermione went up to the common room to find a party waiting for them, even Luna was there (with Ron of course) to celebrate with them. There was all kinds of sweets and drinks there, that Ron and Luna got from the kitchen.

"That was great flying Hermione" said Luna. "Ron told me that you use to be scared of it, but seeing you today that was just great! Even if it was against my own house."

"Thanks Luna, it means a lot," said Hermione, blushing.

More and more people came up to Hermione and Harry to congratulate them before Harry said that he was really tired and was going to go to bed.

"Just stay up a little longer mate, don’t be a party pooper," said Ron.

"Nah, I'm really tired, you know playing with people's minds can really tire a guy out," Harry said, winking at one of his best friends. So with that he said good night to everyone and went up to bed.

~*~

That night Harry had one of the weirdest dreams he ever had. It was about a ring with an emerald stone placed on a golden bond, and it was floating on thin air. He started running to it but he couldn’t catch, then all of a sudden it was Sirius head. "Don't use it Harry, promise me you wont ever use it." And with that Harry woke up.

He looked around the room, everyone was in there beds fast asleep, then he remembered. The ring. He forgot all about it. He went into the small bag that he put it in when he got to Hogwarts. When he took it out he nearly dropped it because it was glowing. Glowing a dark green. What does this mean? Harry thought.

He new the only person to ask. Sirius. He got out of bed, put his shoes, got some floo powder and went to find a fire place.

After 10 minutes he found a room that had a fire place that was already lit through some of the floo powder in it and said Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place.

After 10 minutes he found a room that had a fire place that was already lit through some of the floo powder in it and said Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place.

After the swirling of colors to which Harry was now used to, the boy stepped out in the Dining Room of Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place.

The house was completely dark, except the light from the fire behind Harry. This resulted in his shadow being cast on the wall opposite him. The house gave him the goosebumps, so Harry decided he would be quick and fast in talking to Sirius. He only had ten minutes after all.

The house was completely dark, except the light from the fire behind Harry. This resulted in his shadow being cast on the wall opposite him. The house gave him the goosebumps, so Harry decided he would be quick and fast in talking to Sirius. He only had ten minutes after all.

Harry took his wand out and muttered, "lumos," his wand lit with a pale yellow light, and he made his way up towords Sirius's old room. Harry was careful to not make any noise at all it wouldn't look very good if he was caught. Harry went up the stairs past the portrait of Mrs. Black. Thankfully the floor was still good and didn't creak at all when Harry stepped on it.

Reaching the door Harry needed, he tried to open it, but found that he was locked out. Extingusing his wand Harry tried "Alohamora," but found that this too wouldn't work. Harry knelt down and looked into the keyhole. Finding nothing wrong he placed the tip of his wand in the keyhole and muttered, "reducto." Harry opened the door and walked in.

The scroll bearing the life and memories of Sirius Black began to flutter about as Harry got closer until it flared to life and the image of Harry's godfather stood above the parchment.

"Hey, Harry what do you need at this hour?"

Harry quickly told him about his dream, and suddenly remembering the emerald ring.

"Harry, listen to me. Have you been practicing your Occlumency?"

Harry smiled guitily, know full and well that he hadn't. "No, I haven't."

Sirius rolled his eyes in sympathy, "Yeah, if it were me I wouldn't have either, but you really need to start; it's important that you guard your thoughts now. Its even more important that you guard your thoughts now... Harry don't start it wasn't your fault. I got cocky and she caught me by surprise. But no one should dwell on their losses to much; it makes it harder to win."

Harry nodded attentively, it hadn't been very long and Sirius still had time left.

"Okay Harry, did you bring the ring with you?" Harry nodded. "Good, 'cause its an insanely powerful magical artifact, that was passed down through your family and mine, more my family than yours but you'll figure out what I mean later. Any way once you put that ring on no one can take it off your finger except for you. Even if they tried to cut your finger off to get it, it still wouldn't work. So don't even think of taking it off... now go ahead and put it on." Harry put the ring on, as soon as he got it on the emerald seemed to have lit a fire inside the fuaceted surface.

"Now Harry remember you must guard your thoughts, the ring can help you against any one trying to get at them, but you have to do the fighting yourself. The more you do, the more the ring can help. I'll see if I can get Dumbledore to help you with Occlumency instead of snape face. Tell Dumbledore that Moldyshorts knows about the ring as well. And no matter what don't take off the ring, its powerful good magic."

Sirius looked around, "Now get back to school before your missed, Harry. God knows Hermione would go ballistic if she knew you were here now. Now I have to go, the scroll needs to recharge a bit. Love you Harry, feel free to come by any time."

"I will Sirius, love you too." The image of his Godfather winked out and the scroll layed there unmoving.

The image of his Godfather winked out and the scroll layed there unmoving.

Harry stared for a second or two at the old scroll, and then started to make his way down the stairs. The big snakes on the walls were watching him as he silently made his way towards the fire. He made a mental note to make this place a Gryffindor house next year. Red wallpaper, red and gold carpets and so on.

Harry threw some more Powder in and stepped into the big fire. He stepped out the same second, remembering he didn't know the name of the room he had come from. This was going to be a problem. The only places he knew the name for were Dumbledore's office, the kitchens, the anteroom in the Great Hall, and the Common Rooms, which didn't have floo access. He also knew Remus's office had floo access, but there was no way he could just pop in and then go to the Common Room. He decide he would have to just go in and say...

"Hogwarts!"

Harry whirled and whirled and whirled until he came to a stop at a fire at, what he was certain was, Hogwarts. Yes, he was at Hogwarts. But where in the humongous castle??

Harry had no idea whatsoever of where he found himself, but there was no point in standing there waiting for Filch to catch him.

Harry looked around the small Room again. There was only the fireplace, and other three walls. He went to the door and stepped into the hallway, after making sure there was nobody around. He was confronted with the painting of Barnabas being harassed by trolls.

Of course! You need a fire where to land, and the Room of Requirement gives you one. That explained the lack of other furniture in the room.

Still pondering over the recent happenings and his conversation with Sirius, Harry made his way to Gryffindor Tower. He had quite some ideas to improve himself magically, and with the help of the ring...

He had quite some ideas to improve himself magically, and with the help of the ring...

*~*

"Hey," Harry greeted Ron as he sat next to him.

"Hi," Ron answered.

"Where were you last night?"

"Wh-what do you mean?" Ron asked nervously.

"Well, you weren't in the dorm. I thought you'd be down here, but you wern't here either."

"Well- umm....I mean to say, I was-"

"Hi guys," Hermione said, walking into the common room saving Ron from answering Harry.....he thought.

"Hello Hermione," He said quickly.

"Do you know where Ron was last night Mione?" Harry asked smiling, winking at her so she knew to play along

"Well, I thought he was in his dorm. Wasn't he?"

"No."

"Hmmm....I was down here most of the night, so I know he wasn't here. So where were you Ron?"

"Well....um....I was...Oh look Harry it's time for breakfast," he said jumping up from the seat where he was cornered.

"Oh yes. Lets go down together we can talk about where you were last night."

"Um..actually, I...uh.....I just remebered I said I'd go with Luna....somewhere... sorry." Ron said rushing out of the common room towards the Ravenclaw common room.

"I wonder why he was so nervous," Harry mused as the portrait shut.

"Harry, I love you, really I do, but you're an idiot!" Hermione said smiling.

"Hey!"

"Harry, I love you really I do, but you're an idiot!" Hermione said smiling
"Hey!"

Harry punched Hermione playfully on the arm, but Hermione started after him.

So Harry pushed open the portrait, jumped over the ledge (now that Harry was sixteen, this was done easily) and walked fast towards the Great Hall, not wanting to be told off by Filch for running, and Hermione did the same.

Since Harry had longer legs than Hermione, he lost Hermione on the way to the Great Hall, and he settled himself down on the Gryffindor table.

“Hey, Harry. Where’s Hermione?” asked Neville, who was sitting next to him.

“Still lost in one of the secret passage-ways I expect,” replied Harry, who was grinning.

Harry pulled a plate of pancakes towards himself, and as he did, he saw Ron and Luna exiting the Great Hall, with what looked like a basket. But Harry didn’t have the time to think about what they were going to do, since the next second, Hermione came towards the Gryffindor Table, fuming.

“Uh oh.”

"Uh oh."

"Hi Hermione, how's it going?" asked Harry cowering in fear of the look on her face. She narrowed her eyes and said,

"How's it going? You made me get lost and you're going to get what you deserve." She grabbed a bottle of syrup and poured it on Harry's head. Harry got off the bench, drenched in syrup, smiled as he tried to hug Hermione.

"Don't you dare, Harry James Potter!" She ran out of the Great Hall toward the lake and Harry almost got her when Hermione moved aside and he fell in. "Well at least, you're clean now." Harry glared at her and he grabbed her foot and pulled her in with him.

He dunked her under the water a few times before she came up and said, "Was that necessary?" Harry climbed on shore and said,

"Well does the syrup incident count?" She laughed and climbed back on shore when Harry pulled her next to him and he hugged her tightly.

"Are you mad at me anymore?" asked Harry as he looked into her eyes.

"No," said Hermione as she was leaning in. They almost kissed when they heard a huge explosion coming from the Forbidden Forest.

"Are you mad at me anymore?" asked Harry as he looked into her eyes. "No." said Hermione as she was leaning in. They almost kissed when they heard a huge explosion coming from the Forbidden Forest.

Flames erupted from the explosion, a massive dragon sat in the middle of its own chaos.

"Harry, thats a Antipodean Opaleye. Its not supposed to be this aggressive." Hermione seemed to be in the beginnings of a panic.

"Well isn't that just wonderful?" Harry was already drawing his wand and no one noticed the ring light up on the middle finger of his right hand, "Accio." Harry's thunderbolt broomstick raced toward him from his dorm, reaching him in a second Harry was on his broom and racing toward the dragon before he even realized that the dragon was heading for him.

As Harry got closer he realized that there was something wrong with its eyes, they didn't glitter, and the colors were dull and lacked life. But what really surprised Harry was the fact that the Dragon completely passed him by, and continued to walk toward were he was previously standing.

Harry didn't have words to express how he felt; the dragon was after Hermione, not him. The ring lit up piercingly bright and Harry took off to catch the dragon before it did something that Harry would make it regret.

Flying behind it Harry flew up its back like a ramp and hovered above the dragons head. "Dear God I hope this works." Harry knew he didn't have much time left before it got to Hermione, there were only 100 yards left and the dragon could cover that in one leap, then he felt a massive amount of power as he shouted out the spell, "EGO IUSSUM TUI ANIMI ET MENTIS." Huge amounts of thick pink and red smoke began to shoot and spray from Harry's wand, all of it hit the Opaleye's eyes.

Flying behind it Harry flew up its back like a ramp and hovered above the dragons head. "Dear God i hope this works." Harry knew he didn't have much time left before it got to Hermione, their was only 100 yards left and the dragon could cover that in one leap, then he felt a massive amount of power as he shouted out the spell, "EGO IUSSUM TUI ANIMI ET MENTIS." Huge amounts of thick pink and red smoke began to shoot and spray from Harry's wand, all of it hit the Opaleye's eyes.

Oddly enough the dragon stopped as if waiting for some further command, even though dragons are magical creatures it doesn't mean that they understand english... or any other human language for that matter. Harry had realized this a little to late, how whas he supposed to communicate with it?

Then he had a brilliant idea; while languages come and go, emotions can always be understood. Harry flew down closer to its snout, it was a risk to be sure the dragon could throw off his spell at any time, but for Hermione he was willing to chance it.

Harry then began to pet the dragons snout. Harry knew the dragon wouldn't understand him but then again it probably wouldn't matter what he said just as long as he put positive emotions into his words. He told it the truth as he knew it, "Please, there's some one inside your mind trying to make you do things you might not want to do. Cast him out of your mind." Harry filled his words with hope and encouragment, the ring flared up brightly as he petted the dragon's beautiful pearl white scales.

Its dull eyes suddenly began to glitter and shine again like the opals they were named after. Having a dragon trying to kill your friend and then having it nuzzle you affectionatly it a slightly unsettling experience though not an unpleasant one. It was much better than any alternative he could think of.

Filling the dragon with the appropriate thoughts and feelings he got it to follow him out of the forest and onto the Hogworts grounds proper near the lake. Flying down to land the dragon followed and laid down. Harry lifted his spell and the dragon began to nuzzle him again.

Hermione's figure ran over to him and immediatly began to berate him, "What on earth were you thinking? You could have been killed." She paused and looked at what the dragon was doing, "Harry do you know what it means when a dragon nuzzles you?"

"No I dont, know what she means by it." Harry just grinned, he'd have to tell her what happened.. then ask what she thought about his 'Saving people thing.'

"She?"

"Dont know how I just do."

"Harry you just got yourself, a huge, very powerful, and loyal pet. Now what are you going to do about it?"

Harry bowed his head. "I really wish Hagrid was here."

Harry bowed his head, "I really wish Hagrid was here."

"Come on Harry, he wouldn't like to see you in this state. He was a good man and friend. It is not your fault. We should go and talk to Dumbledore about this. Tell...did you name her?" Hermione said.

"No, of course I haven't. What could a good name be? Hmm...I have no idea, but I will come up with one later. To Dumbledore?"

Hermione grinned, started running at top speed and shouted behind her shoulder, "Race you!!"

Harry let her go until the castle then mounted his broom, which Hermione had forgotten he had summoned. He took the trip up to the corridor with the Gargoyle was with calm. The window was opened and Harry landed in. He put a Disillusionment charm on his broom and placed it on the floor in a corner. He was standing there grinning goofily when Hermione came up the stairs. She was panting. When she saw Harry there grinning at her, she almost fainted from shock.

After calming down a bit, Harry stared at the Gargoyle. He stared it down and, without questions it moved.

Hermione still breathing heavily and Harry still smiling, they stepped onto the moving staircase.

Hermione still breathing heavily and Harry still smiling, they stepped onto the moving staircase.

Harry knocked on the large oak door, awaiting Dumbledores answer.

"Come in," his powerful voice boomed.

"Professer, I think we should tell you something," Hermione said at once.

"Please, sit. How are you?" Dumbledore asked smiling at Hermione's enthusiasm.

"Thank you," Harry said, making Hermione sit down next to him in one of the chairs opposite Dumbledores desk.

"Now what is that you are so anxious to tell me Hermione?"

"Well me and Harry were out by the lake and we heard an explosion in the forest."

"And what was the explosion?"

"Well, um...it was a dragon... we think Voldemort was controlling it, to get me."

At this point Harry decided to take over the explanation.

"I summond my Firebolt from my room and went after it. At the time I didn't know that she was after Hermione, and when I found out that she was, I cast a mind control spell, and I stopped her, so now I....uh...I have a very loyal pet dragon,"
Harry said, the last part very quietly.

"I see," Dumbledore nodded slowly.

"I'm happy to see you are well Hermione."

Hermione smiled and said, "Thanks to Harry."
"
Yes, it was very fortuntate that you were there Harry."

"Yeah, I don't even want to think about what would have happened if I wasn't," Harry agreed.

"Nor I Harry. Nor I."

"Yeah, I don't even want to think about what would have happened if I wasn't." Harry agreed
"Nor I Harry. Nor I"

"But now, we have another problem; the dragon seems to have accepted me as her master. And I don't know what to do with her."

Dumbledore noticed something outside the castle, and, when he looked at the window, a huge dragon was facing him, just on the other side of the window.

For a mere second, he seemed surprised, but his expression soon disappeared, and he answered, "I'm afraid you'll have to keep her with you. Dragons are very loyal, as you can see. And, when they choose someone, not even the ministry has a right to go against their decision. Don't worry, I will find someone to help you. Charlie Weasley will probably accept, and anyway, we need a new teacher for Care of Magical Creatures."

Harry only nodded. He couldn't speak any more. How would he find the time to take care of a dragon? His schedule was already hectic.

Dumbledore told him, "I will floo Charlie immediately. Why don't you go outside before your pet starts losing its temper?"

Without any word, Harry and Hermione left. Harry even forgot his broom. He cast a glance at Hermione, but she seemed to be as deafened as he.

On the way out, Harry wondered how he was going to practice transfiguration. He knew he had to, because the next day, he was supposed to transfigure his partner in an animal. He wouldn't have been so worried if his partner had been Ron. But, at the beginning of the year, McGonagall had paired him with Hermione. She had explained that he would have more chances to have the marks he needed to be an auror this way.

And he knew that Hermione would be mad at him if there was any problem, and she would also be very disappointed.

Of course, they had already practiced with monkeys, and Harry knew that he could do it easily, thanks to Hermione. McGonagall had told them that there was no difference between the two transfigurations, but he couldn't help but feeling apprehensive. A bit of practice would probably improve his confidence.

Of course, they had already practiced with monkeys, and Harry knew that he could do it easily, thanks to Hermione. McGonagall had told them that there was no difference between the two transfigurations, but he couldn't help but feeling apprehensive. A bit of practice would probably improve his confidence.

"Hermione, um, should I name her? Well I mean the dragon since I'll be stuck with her for awhile?" Harry asked, thinking about names that one gives a dragon.

"I dont know Harry... well I guess you should but don't get to attached to her because Charlie will probably take her away."

"Yeah I know, so can you help me with a name? I really dont know what to name her." This is really Hagrid's job, thought harry

"Sure Harry-"

But as soon as he and Hermione got to the doors, Harry heard screaming from outside.

But as soon as he and Hermione got to the doors, Harry herd screaming from outside.

When they got outside, they discovered Ron and Luna behind a tree, trying to hide from a visibly irate dragon.

Harry ran to the beast to calm her. He didn't have to do a lot, as the Opaleye relaxed as soon as she sensed him. Anyway, he asked Ron and Luna to stay where they were, to avoid any problem. Harry knew that Hermione would want to know the whole story, so he told her that he would go to the quidditch pitch.

She stayed a bit with her friends. It took her a lot longer than she had expected, because she had had to calm two hysteric teenagers. Then, she had had to explain the whole story, before being able to ask any question.

When she finally joined Harry, she discovered that Harry was flying with his new pet around the pitch. The uniqueness of the situation made her smile; people usually took their pets for a quiet walk in a park, but of course it couldn't be so simple for Harry. He had to have a giant dragon, and take her for a race in the air.

She stayed where she was until Harry noticed her. He flew down to her immediately. As soon as his feet touched the ground, he asked her if she knew what had happened.

"Harry, I think that when you went into the castle, the dragon thought it was your house. And when strangers tried to enter, she just decided to protect your home, as it was, in a way, hers."

"Great," replied sarcastically Harry. "And what do I do now? Stay here with her, so that people can go in and out of the castle?"

"Of course not, Harry, I'm sure Charlie will have a solution. When I was with Luna and Ron, McGonagall came and told me that he would arrive in a few minutes," but Harry noticed that her tone was not as reassuring as her words.

They were distracted when Harry noticed something biting gently his right hand. He looked down and saw the head of the dragon who obviously tried to draw his attention.

He looked at Hermione and laughed. "Possessive little pet, isn't she?"

Hermione smiled at him when he went back to play with the Opaleye, and lost track of time, until she heard the voice of a very surprised Charlie Weasley behind her. "So, it was true."

Hermione smiled at him when he went back to play with the Opaleye, and lost track of time, until she heard the voice of a very surprised Charlie Weasley behind her. "So, it was true."

Hermione turned around and immediately hugged the Weasly who still stood
dumbfounded watching the spectacle.

"Er... Hi, Hermione... what, how, why... I've never seen dragons act like that before, especially towards humans" Charlie said in a surprised voice.

"Well, I don't really..." started Hermione but she was cut short by the arrival of
Harry who landed just a few feet away from them.

Excitement in his voice, Harry shouted towards Charlie, "Hey Charlie isn't this great?"

The dragon started sniffing Charlie, but she didn't seem all that pleased about this
new arrival.

"Whoa calm down, he's my friend, do you understand? Friend," said Harry.

His eyes widened, and his jaw almost dropped to the floor when he heard the
dragon answer, "Friend."

Harry turned around and looked at the stunned and surprised faces of both Charlie
and Hermione.

"Did you just hear that, she speaks english," Harry exclaimed.

After a moments silence Charlie told Harry, "Not really, Harry. Didn't you realize
you were speaking in parslemouth?"

Harry was stunned. He opened and closed his mouth several times and shifted his
gaze between Hermione, Charlie and the dragon.

Hermione broke the uncomfortable silence. "Of course why didn't I think of this
before! Harry in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them it clearly states that
dragons and snakes have a common ancestor so it would be natural for you to be
able to speak to them. Uh, this is so exciting, do you know how many witches and
wizards would kill to be you right now?"

Harry chuckled softly, leave it to Hermione to find educational value in this matter.
"Well, I definitely know a wizard who wants me to snuff it."

That sombered up Hermione, "Don't even joke about that."

"Sorry to interrupt, but I think we have a more pressing matter at hand, like a 30
foot dragon that seems to have taken a liking to one Harry J. Potter," Charlie
veered the subjected back to the dragon issue.

"We still need to name her," said Harry looking back towards the dragon, his
dragon.

"I always liked the name Celest," offered Hermione. Without much of a debate they
decided that Celest would be adequate enough for them.

They also decided that it would be best if Charlie would take Celest with him,
but that they, Charlie and Celest would visit them as often as possible during the
weekend seeing as it wasn't safe to either keep the dragon on school grounds nor keeping the dragon away from Harry for too long.

Being relieved at having one less responsibility, Hermione and Harry made their way back towards the castle after seeing both Charlie and Celest off in order to enjoy a dinner.

After a rather relaxing evening they made their way towards the common room, where Harry quickly feel asleep on one of the chairs only to find himself back in a long dark tunnel.

After a rather relaxing evening they made their way towards the common room, where Harry quickly feel asleep on one of the chairs only to find himself back in a long dark tunnel.

When Harry woke up, sun rays were filtering through the glasses of the windows in the Common Room. He stood from the chair and streched his aching back. No more sleeping on chairs. He pulled his glasses off and rubbed his emerald eyes, hoping to banish sleep. It was not a good start for a painful day. He was already missing Celest a bit, but he knew it was better for her to be off with Charlie.

Harry started up the stairs to the dormitory. He went to the bathroom and splashed water on his face a few times. As his hands came to his face for a fourth time, he noticed the Ring glowing with a soft green and red light.

Peculiar, he thought. On one side of the ring the light was red and on the other the light was green, almost the two fighting for possession of the ring. It reminded Harry of the constant struggle to be better between Gryffindor and Slytherin. He certainly would have to do some researching on this thing. Hermione will know where to look, he told himself.

He certainly would have to do some researching on this thing. Hermione will know where to look, he told himself.

Harry shook the water from his face and hands, and wondered what side of the ring would win, and for how long. Harry also wondered if the colors had any meaning. What if green was the good side instead of the red? Or vice versa?

Harry thought about it while he changed clothes. Green, there where alot of things that are green, plants for example, plants are a sign of life and growth. However when people get sick they are said to look green, and there's gangreen, and of course the Avada Kedavera which is green. And his own eyes are green. So that didn't help much in deciding any.

Walking down to the common room Harry tried the red side. red... Roses are red, and they are a sign of love. but it's also the color of blood, which can give life and inversely take it away if its spilt. ironicly of course on green grass. red was the color of the expeliarmus spell, the stunner, and the reducter curse. red was also the color of Voldemorts eyes.

Harry quickly came to the conclusion that this train of thought wasn't going anywhere very fast and decided to let some one who could figure it out do just that, it was past time to go talk to Hermione about this ring.

Harry quickly came to the conclusion that this train of thought wasn't going anywhere very fast and decided to let some one who could figure it out do just that, it was past time to go talk to Hermione about this ring.

He and set of in search of Hermione.

He headed to the most common place that Hermione usually ocupied: the library, and sure enough there she was sitting in her usual corner away from prying eyes, who didn't know exactly where to find her.

"Hey Mione," he greeted her.

"Hi Harry," she answered, not even looking up from the book she was studying.

"What're you doing?" He asked, thinking it was best not to jump straight into the ring issue, he knew if he said somehting right away she would be much more worried about it than he wanted her to be.

"Arithmacy," she said simply/

"Ah. Having fun?"

"Yes," she smiled looking up at him for the first time.

"Good.....Mione?"

"Yes?"

"I need to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Well, first promise to let me finish before you start fretting."

She smiled at his last word and nodded letting him launch into the explination of the ring gracing his finger.

By the time he was finished Hermione's eyes were so wide it looked as though they were going to pop out at any moment.

"Hermione?"

Hermione said nothing.

"You can talk now."

"Thank you! Why didn't you tell me sooner Harry?!" She practiacally yelled.

"Shhh! I didn't tell you 'cause it's no big deal."

"No big deal?" She replied wekaly "Harry that ring is the......"

"No big deal?" She replied wekaly "Harry that ring is the......

Hermione paused for a moment seemingly to gather her thoughts, Harry began to think that this would take awhile.

"Harry that ring is the single most powerful magical object there is. The legend goes that there are the souls of many witchs and wizards inside the stone. Their cumalutive magical power is almost unlimited. But just as the ring holds the souls of good people it does the same for evil ones... wait just how did you get it, Harry?"

"Sirius gave it to me. He told me to never take it off."

"Good, because the souls inside are influenced by the the soul of whoever wears the ring, the two colors it glowing now doesn't even begin to show its true color or power. The ring will adjust to you, and the colors will change until it finally reaches the one that best reflects who you are." Hermione pause again, "Harry just make sure your influencing the ring and not the other way around."

The ring flared up a bright red and over took the green. Harry looked at it, he didn't feel any different, "Do the colors mean anything?"

Hermione looked tired, "The meanings are as varied as the people."

"There are meanings, we just wont be able to figure them out, that's it isn't it?"

"Yeah"

"Thought so."

The ring flared up a bright red and over took the green. Harry looked at it, he didn't feel any different, "Do the colors mean anything?"

Hermione looked tired, "The meanings are as varied as the people."

"There are meanings, we just wont be able to figure them out, thats it isn't it?"

"Yeah"

"Thought so."

Hermione's eyes glinted with thought when she had a clever idea. Harry knew that. And, now since it had just happened Harry asked her, "Hermione, what do you think we should do now?"

"Well, Harry, I think the best thing to do is go ask Dumbledore about this. He will tell you what to do and explain. Let's go."

Hermione stood up and Harry followed. She led the way out of the maze that was Hogwart's library. They walked silently to the Headmaster's office, and as they approached the gargoyle sprang to action without question.

Harry raised his eyebrows at it and then looked to Hermione for an explanation. The girl shrugged as they both were brought up by the moving staircase.

The door to the office was half opened and the voices of an irate Snape and a perfectly calm Dumbledore were coming through.

"HEADMASTER, THE DARK LORD WILL ATTACK HOGWARTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! WE HAVE TO ACT IMMEDIATELY! USE IT AGAINST HIM! POTTER IS JUST A KID, HE WON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO! YOU HAVE TO--"

Harry and Hermione looked to each other. They were both thinking the same thing: as usual Snape wanted to treat Harry like he was a scared kid. Dumbledore interrupted their trains of thoughts.

"Severus, I do believe it is me who decides what to do for Hogwarts. Harry is not to be used as an object or weapon of which we can use all the energy. When the time will come, Harry will be ready to take his place. Please, Severus, I believe you have Potions paper to grade." He looked to the door and added. "Harry, Hermione, come in and have a seat."

Snape was bewildered to see the two sixth years walk in through the door. He sot one last look to Dumbledore, one that said, 'I'll see you later'. As he walked past Harry and Hermione he glared at them with all the loathing he had.

After Snape left, Dumbledore made for Harry and Hermione to sit down in two comfy armchairs that popped out of nowhere at a wave of the old man's hand.

"What brigs you here again in this short amount of time, Harry, Hermione?"

Hedrmione looked to Harry, then to Harry's finger bearing the ring, and then started explaining.

"Professor, Harry here has decided to tell me about his ring, finally. Harry, tell."

Harry looked at her and then proceeded to give Dumbledore the story from when he had received the ring to today. Dumbledore was nodding along by the time he had finished.

"Well, Harry, I agree with Hermione. You could have told someone before. But, no use in crying over spilt potion. I know about the ring, and I am happy it has been found. Found by you I mean. If the Dark side would have found it, the consequneces would be bad. Hermione, let me charm a parchment for notes. You can have them when we're done."

He used his wand and the conjured parchment glowed with a blue eerie light and then stopped.

"Well, let's go back to the time when..."