Iuga Sortis III: The Beginning

Sixteen

The common room was empty considering it was late at night, so they were surprised when the portrait door opened to reveal a soot-covered Harry shrugging off his cloak, shaking Floo Powder and ash from it. Hermione and Ron exchanged looks as Harry plopped down on the ground next to them. Ron scowled into the fire before going back to his Potions assignment.

"How was the meeting?" Ron drawled, glaring fiercely at his parchment, dangerously close to poking a hole through it with his quill.

Hermione frowned, pulling the writing tool from his hand before he caused himself extra work and inky fingers.

Harry sighed, giving his friend a sympathetic glance. "You know I wish you were able to come too, mate, but your mum didn't want you missing any more school than you have to . . ."

It had been three weeks since Snape's run-in with the Death Eaters, and the students were in a somber haze, getting used to the changes in the school. Dumbledore explained to the student body Snape had fallen very ill all of a sudden, and would not be back for the remainder of the school year. Few people knew this "illness" was the result of an attack, and unless Snape regained consciousness, he wouldn't return at all. As it was, Pomfrey, after much convincing from Dumbledore, left her familiar post in the Hospital Wing to take up for Snape, considering she was almost as knowledgeable in Potions as he was, and was already familiar with the curriculum. Pomfrey's replacement was Molly Weasley, something Ron and Ginny resented slightly, but Mrs. Weasley was the best Healer outside in St. Mungo's. Besides, she was in the Order and it was far more dangerous to let unknowns inside the school, for one never knew their real loyalties. . .

Number 12 Grimmauld Place was floo-connected from Molly's room, but she would only let Harry and Ginny go to the meetings, much to Ron's chagrin.

"She lets Ginny go! I reckon since I'm not a God reincarnate I'm not that important . . ."

Harry rolled his eyes at the fire, reclining on his elbows and crossing his feet at his ankles. "Believe me, mate. If I didn't have to go, I wouldn't. There's nothing more I'd wish for than to be a normal teenager. Besides, I don't really sit in on the meetings anyway."

Hermione frowned at her Ancient Runes text as she flipped a page. "Really? What do you do, then?"

Harry took a breath. "I'm with Nia, watching Snape . . . y'know, I never liked the man, but even I wouldn't wish that on him."

Ron tensed and sighed, thumbing the edge of his parchment. "Yeah. I even miss him breathing down our necks. It's not a Potions class without Snape there to terrorize us to death."

Hermione glanced at Ron for a moment with a wistful smile. "Never thought I'd hear you say you missed him."

He shrugged and gave her a lopsided grin. "I didn't either. Funny how war changes your opinions of people."

Harry's face suddenly darkened. "Or reaffirms them. I cannot wait to run my wand through Voldemort's and Pettigrew's black hearts . . . if they even have any . . ."

Hermione sighed, closing the text and sat Indian style. "I've been thinking. Maybe you should restart Dumbledore's Army. I think it would do us all good. I know Professor Roberts has been very informative and pragmatic with her Defense techniques, and considering things are becoming far more dire than they were before, it would be good to tutor as many students as possible."

Harry gave her a sideways glance. "And while I agree, the reason I haven't been able to was because of training. Then again, I know Nia's not in any kind of mood to train, and Malfoy's just as broken up about it . . . perhaps training the student body would be good. Though, admittedly we only have about two more months of term, and we also have N.E.W.T.s."

Hermione sucked her teeth and shook her head roughly. "Hang N.E.W.T.s! What good will they be if no one's alive to enjoy them?"

Ron snorted and she glared at him. Harry snickered. "That is a valid point, though I will go out on a limb and say you would be the only one who'd enjoy the N.E.W.T.s . . . and maybe Percy . . ."

Ron's face darkened considerably and Hermione grasped his hand to calm him. "I don't want to hear that git's name," Ron bit out.

Harry turned so he faced Ron fully. "There's something you need to know about your brother, Ron . . ."

Ron shook his head and threw his books and parchment to the floor before standing. "Whatever you have to say, Harry, I don't want to hear it, so you might as well keep your mouth shut."

Hermione was anxious, both for Harry and for Ron. "I don't like your tone, Harry."

Harry stood as well, not intimidated by his friend. "Ron, Percy's a Death Eater and-"

Ron's fist caught Harry's jaw, causing the black-haired boy's head to snap back from the blow. Hermione screamed and Harry cupped his jaw, looking at the redhead dazedly. Ron's expression was fierce as he glared at the bespectacled boy, shaking his reddening hand to relieve the pain shooting from the knuckles.

"I can't believe you just did that!" Hermione screeched, taking the hand and performing a Healing Spell on it.

"And I can't believe my best friend would say something like that to me," Ron said lowly, snatching his fist out of Hermione's hand and stomping up the stairs. Harry didn't follow, cursing and kicking over a chair before plopping on the couch and throwing an arm over his eyes. Hermione was on the verge of tears, torn between comforting her fiancée and her best friend. She chose Harry, whose jaw needed attention and owed her explanations. Harry resisted her ministrations until finally Hermione spelled his hands away to grant her access to his injury.

Neither spoke as she tended to him, Harry wincing at particular charms until finally he was healed and his skin unmarred. Hermione dropped her wand in her lap and sat Indian style to Harry's profile. The fire danced in the reflection of his glasses and he scowled into it, his fingers gripping the arm of the couch until Hermione was afraid he'd pull the stuffing out.

"Harry-"

"He doesn't understand, Hermione . . ."

Hermione took the hand resting on his thigh and held it in her own. "Yes he does, Harry."

His jaw clenched and so did the hand around hers. She rested her head on his shoulder and stared into the fire with him. There was a stretch of time when no one said a word. Harry's knee began to bounce and the couch began to squeak softly from his movements.

"He's taking Snape's place."

Hermione's eyes widened and she temporarily forgot to breathe. "No . . ."

"Yes. Not even Mr. and Mrs. Weasley know, and I doubt I should've told Ron . . . but that's the reason Percy's been alienated from the family. He was in training to be a mole along with Snape."

She sputtered, sitting up straight and shaking her head. "Well how do you know? Who told you?"

Harry sighed and pushed his glasses on his forehead as he rubbed his eyes. "Dumbledore told Ginny; he figured someone in the family should know, and Ginny was less likely to go into a rampage . . ."

"And she's the most objective," Hermione murmured.

"And she'd be the one who could do something about it," Harry muttered, running a hand through his dark locks. "Ron should be glad he doesn't have to go to the meetings. They're not nearly as glamorous as one would think."

Hermione snorted and replaced her head on his shoulder. "He just wants to be there for you, Harry; we both do. You shouldn't have to go through it alone."

He shook his head. "But I'm not. There are three other people right in the thick of it with me. None of us deserve this pain."

"Even Malfoy?"

He shrugged then nodded. "Even Malfoy. It must be hard to realize an entire life's worth of guidance and truths all turned out to be lies, and to reconcile the fact your father isn't who you thought he was. I had a taste of if fifth year-it is not pretty."

Hermione chuckled slightly. "Never thought you'd have something decent to say about him."

"We've come to an . . . understanding so to speak," he admitted. "We'd make much better progress being civil to one another than not. We have enough lunatics not liking us as it is."

She squeezed his hand and looked at him. "Well I'm proud of you, Harry Potter. It takes a true, noble man to set aside his differences for the good of the world."

He snorted and rolled his eyes. "Well I am The Boy Who Lived . . ."

She chuckled, lifting her feet to the couch and rested fully against him. Harry wrapped an arm around her shoulders and rested his cheek atop her head. It felt good to sit like that with him, having a small moment to themselves when there wasn't talk of Dark Lords or N.E.W.T.s. She always felt comfortable around Harry; his quiet demeanor helped her focus and calm herself, and she'd like to think she did the same for him.

"How do you like teal as a wedding color?" He began to cough violently and she giggled. "Teal's out, then."

"Oh, Hermione, teal was never in!"

She giggled harder, smothering them a bit as the portrait door opened. Ginny looked decidedly guilty to Hermione, biting her lip and smiling shyly at them. Both Hermione and Harry gave her appraising looks.

"What did you do?"

Ginny's mouth dropped open at their simultaneous inquisition and they smiled at each other. "Don't ever do that again."

Hermione rolled her eyes and smirked. "Oh come off it! You walk in here like the cat who ate the canary . . . what did you do?"

Ginny merely grinned and winked at them. "Goodnight!"

Hermione grabbed Ginny's wrist and forced her back on the couch. "You can't say that and expect me to let you get away with it. Talk.''

Ginny frowned at her robes, worrying a loose thread at the zipper. "I can't tell you . . . but I think it'll turn things around for Harry - for all of us, really. Nia and Draco've been working really hard on it since, uh, the 'accident' . . ."

Harry's countenance darkened and he sat up straighter. "What do you mean?"

Ginny shifted and shrugged, clearing her throat. "Uh, as I said--can't tell you. But if it makes you feel better, Jamilah has assured me the chances of them failing are minimal-"

"Failing?!"

Harry stood then, his eyes hard and fierce. Hermione tried to pull him back down but he was too strong for her. The crackle of magical energy pricked her skin, and Hermione looked to Ginny to diffuse the situation. It was then Hermione realized the "happy" look Ginny sported earlier was just that - a look. At the moment, she looked very concerned.

"I asked her, over and over again, if they'd come back from it--"

Come back?

Harry looked fit to burst, and Hermione held his hand. "What are they doing?"

Ginny shrugged. "I'm not entirely certain, but they keep saying it has to be done-"

"What in the world has to be done that would only require Nia and Malfoy? Why couldn't they let us know? I mean for Merlin's sake Voldemort and Set already know Draco's defected, and apparently, they don't even know Nia exists! Why are they-"

"Revenge."

Ginny and Harry looked at Hermione, snapping out of their verbal speculation. "And honestly, I think this has more to do with Nia than the both of them."

Harry looked around the room helplessly before plopping back on the couch, his free hand going to his hair again. "She can't save the world by herself!"

"So says the man who always wants to face Voldemort alone," Ginny muttered.

Hermione bit her lip to keep from smiling. Harry was not amused. "But that's my job - that's why I'm here."

"And why is Nia here, hmm? You'd think after thousands of years she'd have some say of how she wanted to rid the world of Set! It's quickly become a personal thing for her," Ginny said.

"She shouldn't have to do it alone--"

"Well she's not."

Ginny's tone created a sense of panic in Hermione's breast. It was clear the young redhead was concerned for her boyfriend, yet Harry didn't seem to pick up on her distress.

"He's a fool! He's already died once-"

"I know, Harry! I know! I saw! I carried him to headquarters, remember?! Don't you think I'm terrified he may die again? And if Nia's with him, there'll be no hope of another resurrection! They could both die, and then where would that leave the wizarding world? Where would that leave me?"

Admittedly, Hermione was comforted by the admission. It meant that even with all of Ginny's extra powers, she still felt vulnerable . . . human . . . .

Harry went back to staring at the fire, his jaw clenched again. Hermione gave Ginny a smile she hoped passed as encouraging. "It'll all work out, you'll see."

Ginny shook her head and wiped at her cheeks. It was then Hermione realized she was crying. "But what if it doesn't? Huh? I see Snape lying there, unconscious and unresponsive, and I see Nia trying to be strong, yet she's just going further and further into herself . . . I couldn't take it if something happened to Percy; any of my brothers for that matter-"

"Percy is not our brother."

Hermione sighed as she watched Ron come down the stairs, his face set hard and unyielding. Ginny's eyes flashed angrily and she stood toe to toe with her brother.

"How dare you say that! If only you knew--"

"But I do know! Harry let it slip. Percy's a Death Eater! How the hell am I supposed to care about him now? He's betrayed us!"

Ginny's hands clenched at her sides and she took a few calming breaths. "Ron, I've known you for 16 years now. I'll just bet you went off in a fit before Harry could explain everything to you."

Ron looked at his sister, then Harry incredulously and threw his hands out. "What's there to explain?! We all know what Death Eaters believe! He's a turncoat and a bloody brownnoser. And more importantly, he's not my brother-"

"He's a spy, Ron!" Ginny whispered fiercely, tears running down her face unchecked. "A bloody spy for the Order! Do you know what that means? It means he's putting his life on the line just as Snape did in order to help US! He could end up like Snape, too. Is that what you want?"

Ron didn't twitch a muscle, and both siblings regarded each other seriously before Ginny whimpered and walked around him up the stairs. After a few moments, Harry did the same, not speaking to either one of them as he left. Hermione was at a loss what to do. Ron looked primed to do something very rash, and she remained on the couch, yet fingered her wand just in case a couch or an armchair became a victim to Ron's rage.

So she was surprised when instead of a curse she heard a sniffle, and she snapped her head up to see him bite his lip and close his eyes, trying to calm himself. Her heart broke at the sight. Ron was the rock to them all, especially to her and Harry. To see him finally break down like he was, disconcerted, yet humbled her.

Hermione said nothing, merely going to him and wrapping her arms around his waist, laying her head on his chest. He was trembling and she squeezed him tighter; after awhile, his arms came around her tightly and he dropped his cheek to the top of her head. She walked them back to the couch and eased them upon it. He shifted so his head rested on her shoulder, but arms remained firmly locked at her waist. They just sat there; Hermione let him cry and she dropped reassuring kisses on his face and temple. It was her turn to be the rock, and she hoped she was doing as well as Ron did.

"I don't want him to die," he murmured against her neck. Hermione forced herself not to jump at the unexpected sound, having started to doze amid caressing his hair. She nodded against his head before kissing it.

"I know you don't, Ron. It's not an easy thing to reconcile, you know."

He nodded against her, and Hermione wiped a tear from his cheek. He grasped her hand and kissed the knuckles before putting it to his heart.

He looked into her eyes, his expression serious. "I love you."

She smiled and kissed his forehead. "I know. I love you, too."

"I want to marry you."

Her grin faltered. "We are getting married, love."

He shook his head and sat up, grasping her hands tightly in his. "Now. I want to marry you now. Life's too short."

Hermione was speechless, and her mouth opened and closed with no sound to show for it. He grinned then, a sexy grin that almost made Hermione say yes and throw in a couple of kids as a bonus, so she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. He took advantage of that and kissed her hard, his tongue trailing along the seam of her lips and she parted them, granting him access. She sat on her knees on the cushions and wrapped her arms fully around his neck. His arms rested at her hips, drawing her closer to him.

"Marry me," he whispered, his mouth barely off hers.

She smiled and ran her hands through his hair, her mouth moving along his cheek to his ear. "Your mum would kill us."

His hands grasped her face and he pulled her away so he could meet her eyes. His were serious and her breath caught. "At least I'd die as your husband."

"Oh, Ron . . ."

He was still serious looking and his thumbs caressed her cheeks. "That will be the only acceptable way for me to go. I have to be your husband, and you must be my wife. Only then can I die a happy man."

Hermione shook her head, her own hands framing his face. "But you won't be dying for a long time, Ronald Weasley."

"You don't know that. Anything could happen, but I want it with the guarantee that I'm married to you."

He was completely serious, and the thought excited and shocked her simultaneously. "Your mum will kill us."

He grinned again and kissed her slowly, nibbling at her bottom lip tenderly. "And as I said, at least we'll be married when she does."

"But-"

He placed one long, lean index finger on her lips, stilling her words. "We can have a ceremony with them later. Right now, I want to marry you, without all the fanfare and my mum driving me nutters about it . . . I just want to be your husband. I want to bind myself to you forever. Please, Hermione."

She blinked. When she was a little girl planning her wedding, it certainly didn't look like this, but Ron was right - life was too short and there were no guarantees. And if she were honest with herself, she'd prefer a small, intimate wedding to a grand one. It was about her and Ron, not their families . . . .

And when Molly did kill them, at least she'd be Mrs. Hermione Jane Granger-Weasley.

She smiled and nodded. "Let's get married."

His eyes widened and his jaw dropped in shock. "You mean it?" She nodded again, her smile growing bigger. His nearly split his face and he kissed her hard, Hermione laughing from his excitement.

"Well! Well, we - we gotta get Ginny and Harry and-"

He stood from the couch slowly, a sheepish, shameful look on his face.

"What's wrong, Ron? What is it?"

"I've been right awful to him, haven't I?"

She looked at him pointedly. "Downright wretched, actually."

Ron sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I thought I'd got over my jealously thing . . . but you know, I just want to be needed . . ."

She stood, putting her arms around his waist. "I need you, will that do?"

He smiled and kissed her. "Very much so."

They pulled back and her eyes were full of unshed tears. "So, meet you in the Room of Requirement in an hour?"

Ron bit his lip and grinned at her while she pushed the fringe from his eyes. "I don't think I can wait that long."

Hermione blushed and looked at her hands. "I have to be semi-beautiful on my wedding day and . . . that takes some time."

She felt his hand cup her cheek and his lips on her forehead. "And as I'm sure I've said countless times: you were born fully beautiful. You could come naked." Hermione snorted and slapped his hand away. "Well you could . . ."

Hermione rolled her eyes and began to go to her room. "I'll just bet you'd like that."

She felt his arms around her waist and he kissed her neck. "Mmm, call me selfish, but the only bloke I want seeing you naked is me."

Hermione chuckled and gave him one last kiss before going to her room. She rifled through her trunk and closet, trying to find something half-decent to wear. Suddenly there was a knock on her door and she jumped, then laughed at her anxiousness. She removed the wards from the door and shouted for the person to enter. Ginny bounded in the room, squealing and giving the brunette such a large hug they both fell on the bed in a heap.

"Oh I'm so happy for you two," Ginny whispered in Hermione's ear.

Hermione laughed and returned the hug. "How did you find out?"

"Harry told me."

"Right, then get off me. There's much work to be done in an hour . . . oh! Where are we going to do this? Can we ask Dumbledore-"

"He said to meet him in his office. We'll perform the ceremony there. He's even flooing in your parents, Mum and Dad, and our brothers."

Hermione's heart began to beat rapidly and tears pricked her eyes. A small, intimate wedding, with people they love the most. It was perfection. "I'm getting married."

Ginny grinned, scrambling off the bed and pulling Hermione up as well. "Yes you are. We only have a few more minutes before you become my sister-in-law!"

So Ginny helped her choose an outfit and did her makeup, even fashioned a crown of flowers Hermione transfigured from hair clips. The simple white sundress was perfect, and her makeup was understated, yet elegant. Her hair was out, yet wreathed with the flowers - white daisies - and Hermione smiled at her reflection.

"You're beautiful," Ginny whispered with a smile. Hermione felt her tears come, and she blinked rapidly, giving Ginny one last hug before going to the door.

"Wait!"

Hermione jumped in spite of herself. "What?!"

Ginny looked sheepish. "You can't go yet. Ron isn't up there. Wait a few more minutes."

Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head, then snapped her fingers. "A bouquet!"

Ginny smirked. "All ready taken care of," Ginny said with a wink. She pulled something out of her pocket - no larger than a raisin, then muttered a spell. The item grew until she had a bouquet of white and red roses.

"Lovely," Hermione breathed, and gently took the bouquet from Ginny.

"Ready to get married?" Ginny asked, linking her arms through Hermione's.

She took a deep breath before nodding and smiling widely. "Definitely."

~~~~~~~~~

"You may now kiss your bride . . ."

Harry smiled as Dumbledore said those words, yet his smile was nothing compared to Ron's, whose grin overtook his face as he cupped Hermione's and gave her a chaste, yet long kiss.

The wedding was short and sweet, yet emotions ran high. Hermione didn't stop crying from the moment she saw Ron standing at the makeshift altar, and Ron didn't stop smiling since seeing Hermione at the door. Dumbledore performed wizard and Muggle matrimonial rites, and a band of magic wrapped around their hands as each recited their vows. Harry felt honored to be a part of such an event, and doubly honored for being Ron's best man. Ginny, being Hermione's maid of honor, kept blotting Hermione's eyes, all the while keeping her own tears at bay.

It was almost enough to make Harry forget about all the darkness looming in the world at the moment

As the newly married couple kissed, Mrs. Weasley was sniffling and holding onto Mr. Weasley who, while not crying, definitely had tears in his eyes. The twins even managed to be well-behaved, though Angelina and Alicia's presence probably had a lot to do with that. Mr. and Mrs. Granger merely smiled, tears falling on Mr. Granger's face as Mrs. Granger dabbed his cheeks lovingly. Harry saw Charlie wink at Tonks and squeeze her hand, and the witch blushed, while Bill clapped and whistled his congratulations. Harry locked eyes with Ginny who was standing behind the kissing couple and she gave a small smile.

Harry knew what that smile meant. No doubt the youngest witch was happy for her friend and her brother, but knowing Ginny, she was wondering if she would get the same opportunity.

If he were honest with himself, he was as well.

Things between him and Nia had all but gone stale and stagnant. When she wasn't in class or in training, she was at Order Headquarters or in the dungeons. It had been three weeks without sharing a meaningful conversation with her, and he was growing annoyed and even fearful. He felt as if he was losing her, and he couldn't - not now.

Not ever.

He snapped out of his daze when someone clapped his shoulder, a very serious looking Ron appearing in his line of vision. Harry smiled at him and returned the gesture.

"A married bloke now," Harry said on a small laugh.

Ron gave a lopsided grin and nodded. "Won't be long before I'll be standing for you at your wedding . . ."

Harry snorted. "Let's not get too presumptuous . . ."

Ron smiled softly. "No. Let's. Gives us something to fight for, or else why bother?"

Harry looked to the floor, then chuckled. "She's good for you, mate. She's made you wise."

Ron scoffed and shoved Harry's shoulder, Harry returning the favor. Suddenly Ron pulled Harry into a hard hug and they just embraced for a while, saying things they wouldn't or couldn't utter verbally. Ron pulled back and cupped Harry's jaw, shaking his head a bit. Harry ruffled Ron's hair, earning a semi-amused, semi-disgruntled look for his efforts.

"Better attend to the missus," Harry said lightly. "Reckon she might get jealous . . ."

Ron shoved Harry again and smirked before returning to Hermione's side, dropping a kiss to her temple as he did so. She beamed at him, linking her fingers through his and almost completely ignored her mother as she continued to speak.

Harry was very happy for his friends, and remained on the fringe of everything so Ron and Hermione could have their night. In fact, he had begun to sneak out when a hand fell on his shoulder. He cursed the small jump he made, and couldn't help but sputter in surprise when he saw who stopped him.

"Angelina?!"

She smiled and nodded. "How are you doing, Harry?"

He nodded yet frowned. "I'm fine. You?"

She didn't answer, instead pulling him by the arm to a secluded section of the room. They sat facing each other and she stared at him intently. It took a lot for him not to fidget.

Finally, Angelina sighed and gripped her chair's armrests. "I'm really worried about Nia."

Harry's posture slumped and he rubbed his eyes, pushing his glasses to his forehead. "Yeah . . . this whole thing with Snape's hit her pretty hard."

"I've tried owling her, yet she doesn't respond. Dad's getting really worried about her, particularly because she hasn't contacted us since the attack!"

Harry blinked a few times and sat up straighter. "Is that not normal?"

"I know, I know," Angelina sighed, shaking her head and relaxing her posture. "She and Dad aren't as close as they used to be, but he is still her father-"

"I thought Snape adopted her. Doesn't that make him her legal father?

Angelina huffed and rolled her eyes. "That's a technicality and you know it! Nia's Dad's child and he loves her regardless of whose 'legal' daughter she is! He wants to help, but he can't if she keeps pushing him away!"

"Well, tell him not to feel bad - she's pushing everyone away," he muttered. He didn't want to talk about his problems, not now while everyone else was so happy.

Angelina gazed at him appraisingly, and he met it blandly. "What?"

She broke into a soft smile and nodded. "You really like her, don't you?"

Harry sighed and put his face in his hands. "Why do you sound so surprised?"

"Never thought you would."

He sat up straighter. "What do you mean by that?"

Angelina held out hands and shook her head. "No, no! I don't mean her in particular. I mean any girl. You were always quiet and reserved, Harry. You seemed to avoid the opposite sex even when trying to get close."

He winced as Cho came to mind. "I'm a target for the Dark Lord. I didn't think it was fair to subject myself to someone. It brings unnecessary drama."

Angelina's eyes widened and she nodded. "I understand now."

Harry knew she wasn't referring to what he just said. "Understand?"

Angelina laughed, but it was mirthless. "She's pulling a Harry Potter."

Harry frowned. "What does that mean?"

"Distancing herself from us. She's a target too, you know, probably a bigger one than you. And with Snape being attacked the way he was, she's removing herself from everyone - including us, her family. We're 'Mudbloods', after all . . ."

"And they don't know who you are in relation to her. They don't even know who Nia is," Harry said.

Angelina quirked an eyebrow. "Don't they? Why would they go after Snape if they didn't know something?"

Crabbe immediately came to mind. He'd since left school and been transferred to Durmstrang. Harry thought just as well, or else he would've killed the bastard.

"She's not stupid enough to go at something alone," Harry said flatly.

"No, she's not. But what makes you think she'd tell you, the Golden Boy of the wizarding world? Only folks in the Order know about Set. All she needs to do is knock him out of commission to give you the edge . . . or knock herself out and take him with her . . ."

"She's a Slytherin," Harry said unconvincingly. "They aren't into the martyr business."

"And yet there's Snape hanging on by a thread. The real world doesn't care what house you're from, Harry." He said nothing and stared at the floor. Angelina's cool fingers touched his cheek and he met her eyes. "Just . . . watch out for her, will you? Let her know the Johnson's are still her family and love her very much."

He nodded and swallowed. "I will."

Angelina stood and gave him a half smile. "While you're at it, why don't you let her know you love her, too."

Harry slumped back in his chair and covered his eyes. He couldn't do that. He wouldn't do that - not until things settled down and they could be sure Set and Voldemort were totally destroyed.

Until he was sure he would survive.

The prophecy loomed in the back of his mind - one of them had to die. The last thing Harry wanted to do was declare his love to Nia only to die and not be able to show her just how much . . . It wouldn't be fair to her or to him.

But he wouldn't think about that now, because Hermione had just met his eyes and tilted her head to where the small cake was about to be cut.

Harry smiled and joined them, pushing less happy thoughts from his mind and resolving to talk to Nia soon.

Yet between studying for N.E.W.T.s, training, and Quidditch, "soon" became "later," and it was suddenly the last week in May, a few days before the Quidditch Cup between Gryffindor and Slytherin, and three weeks before he left Hogwarts forever . . . .well maybe not forever. There was, after all, a very important reason to visit.

And looming all over that was the threat of Voldemort and Set. As it was he'd been paired with Ginny for their training, and his nights were becoming more and more restless. Voldemort was up to something huge, and the very fact Harry's shields had got stronger left him unable to figure out exactly what Voldemort was planning.

The prophecy was going to come to pass before the school year was over.

Meanwhile, Nia was becoming more and more secretive, and every time he tried to link with her, she'd shut him out.

It was unpleasant to be on the receiving end of those; he had new respect for Ron and Hermione . . . who were very much enjoying the married life. Ron's nights in the dormitory were few and far between; even the other mates had stopped commenting on his perpetually empty bed.

But this night it was his turn to be out past curfew, and he sat on the grassy knoll just below the castle, staring fondly at Hagrid's Hut and the Forbidden Forest just behind it . . . yes, he'd even miss that when he left.

Suddenly he saw a flash of gold through the trees as it passed through the moon's rays. Harry was intrigued, his curious nature compelling him to investigate. He knew a lot more spells now than he did during his first foray into the Forbidden Forest, though he wouldn't mind if didn't see a centaur or Aragog during this particular trip.

He chanted Lumos and walked deeper into the forest, his body primed just in case there was an ambush. Soon he saw the familiar thestrals and petted the muzzle of one fondly.

Then he felt it, hard bursts of warm air on his neck and he whirled fast, only to be blinded by gold. Harry gasped and stepped back, startling the thestral behind him and causing him to neigh and rile up. Harry was a bit concerned himself, but had much better luck in concealing it. This was no thestral before him, nor was it a hippogriff; yet it certainly wasn't a regular horse because it had wings, and there was a darker gold spot in the center of its head.

And though Harry couldn't immediately place the beast, he knew it was one of the most beautiful animals he'd ever seen. He was just awed that the entire beast was gold - right down to the hooves! Harry approached it slowly, the animal's eyes never leaving his as he did so. It even seemed . . . amused? Whatever the case, Harry approached it as cautiously as he had first approached Buckbeak, letting the animal make the final decision to fully engage or not. And like Buckbeak, the animal did, even nuzzling Harry's hand briefly.

The hair was so soft it was almost as if his hand sunk into the coat. Even Buckbeak's coat was rough and firm, but this coat felt like silk between his fingers. Harry's hand slid from the muzzle to the neck, feeling the powerful muscles underneath. Again, the animal snuggled to him, and Harry didn't mind at all. In fact, he snuggled right back, and a feeling of serenity washed over him. He gingerly fingered the wings lightly, and they were very sensitive for they moved at his slight contact. Harry figured the animal was very fast - probably faster than his Firebolt.

The head nudged him, then looked to its back. Harry bit his lip and sank both hands in its flanks. The "horse" nodded, and the amused glint reappeared in the golden eyes. Harry frowned, thinking something oddly familiar about those eyes, yet shrugged and caressed its flanks. The "horse" stomped a hoof and nodded to its back again.

It wanted Harry to mount.

Harry hesitated for a moment before doing just that. The "horse" even kneeled slightly to help him. It waited until Harry had a firm grip before moving, its steady walk picking up speed once they left the forest. It didn't take much to get it in the air, and the ride was far smoother than Buckbeak's was. They flew high, but not too high, and the wings were whisper quiet. It was as if they glided through the air, yet everything was a blur below them. Harry closed his eyes and lifted his face to the sky, spreading his arms wide and relishing in the wind going through his hair and across his skin. This was why he loved flying so much--the absolute freedom he felt was unparalleled in any other context of his life.

Soon they landed in a courtyard in Hogwarts, and he dismounted, trailing a hand over the creature's side. The "horse" backed away from him and sat, and there, before his very eyes, transformed into a short, crouched girl. Harry's hand drifted to his wand, but he gasped when he realized who she was.

Nia stood slowly, rolling her shoulders and stretching her arms high above her head. She was wearing a black leotard and sweatpants, and she glanced at the moon above. Harry was rooted to the spot in shock and awe.

"It's a pretty night, isn't it?" she asked, still looking skyward. Harry opened his mouth to answer but she continued to talk.

"I'd been practicing that for weeks now - changing into that unicorn. Grandma tells me it's an ancient kind--far older than the ones with the traditional horn . . . Pegasus is a descendant of it, with the wings and all."

Harry approached her slowly, his hand slinking into hers. She looked at him then, a shy smile on her face.

"Nia?"

"Draco's a bull, if you can believe that. Explains the stubbornness, certainly, although I do think he was a bit disappointed he wasn't a dragon. Then again, his second form is a crocodile, so, there's the reptile for him."

"And do you know what I am?" Harry figured if they were animagi, then he must be as well.

Nia chuckled and squeezed his hand. "A lion, surprise, surprise, and an elephant. Grandma hasn't trained you for that yet?" Harry shook his head. "That's weird. Ginny's already turned into her griffon vulture, but I don't think she's turned into her other form."

"Which is?"

Nia smirked at him. "An Egyptian cobra."

Harry chuckled. "That should prove interesting."

"Yeah."

"And what's your other form?"

Nia chuckled. "A black kite. Can you believe that? Despite my fear of flying, I am a bird. Fate sure is funny . . ."

He squeezed her hand in agreement. Harry knew there was a reason he hadn't been trained; then again, maybe he didn't need to be trained - at least not yet. He had enough on his plate as it was.

She shook her head and wrapped her arms around his waist, burrowing her face in his chest. "I'm sorry, Harry."

His hands slid along her back as he brought her closer. "I understand . . . it's hard for you . . ."

Her head shook and she whispered, "I'm sorry" again. Dread seeped into his bones and he held her tighter. Something told Harry this "sorry" was for a future deed, not for ones past.

"Dearest, what's the matter?"

She only snuggled into him, her hold tightening. He moved his hand up her back to her neck, pulling her back to look into her eyes.

There was sadness and pain far more intense than when she found Snape in The Room. He kissed her forehead softly, hoping the slight gesture would ease her sorrow if only a little.

Nia sniffed and her shoulders shook. "Why are you good to me? Lord, what have I done to . . ." She never finished the statement, merely snuggling further into him.

She didn't have to complete it; Harry was far too familiar with the question. Whatever he'd done in the past that led to Nia being in his life, he'd happily do it again--ten-fold. Being Apedemak's reincarnate notwithstanding, Harry knew what he felt for the girl before him was just as strong independently of the residual love between two dead gods.

"Nia, love, look at me."

She pulled back, her face streaked with tears. He took his thumbs and tenderly wiped them away. She closed her eyes and more fell. Nia shook her head. "Why are you so good to me?" she croaked.

"Because I love you."

He broke the vow he made to himself. Angelina was right - Nia had to know. Ron was right - if there was no love why bother? He loved the girl before him, and if anyone had a right to know that, it was she.

Nia stiffened and stepped back. "Oh God Harry, don't tell me that!"

Harry shook his head and went forward, his hands cradling her face. "I should've told you much sooner; I've wasted so much time as it is."

"But we're so young . . ." Nia whispered, then she shook her head, moving away from him again. "You're just confusing Apedemak's feelings for your own. I see. Really, Harry, you don't have to--"

Harry kissed her, endeared by her disbelief. He hoped the kiss would corroborate his words, for he certainly meant them as Harry Potter, not Apedemak reincarnated. Soon her arms went around his neck and he lifted her in his arms. She pulled back and buried her face in his neck.

"You love me?" she whispered.

"Madly."

"Harry Potter loves me?"

He chuckled and kissed her temple. "Completely."

She said nothing else, her body trembling as she held onto him as if she were afraid he'd leave. Harry knew she had no need to worry.

Not even death would keep him away from her.