Equal Nemesis

Equal Nemesis

Chapter 1

Summertime Bliss

"... The struggle begins ... the Dark Lord's terror darkens and his forces will grow greatly in number ... the Marked One must continue to rise with him, but challenges await them both. The black serpent becomes more powerful than ever before, and he will create ripples of evil, far-reaching and echoing onward ... his equal must defy him when the smoke arises or be lost, and all hope will die with him, and the Dark Lord's evil reign, steadfast, becomes immortal ... the Dark Lord's terror rises and his forces strengthen ... though he will be blind ... the struggle begins ..."

Silence fell in the darkness like a sinister wraith, bringing with it a sense of despair. Minerva McGonagall stared at Sibyl Trelawney with her white lips crushed into a thin line. Blood drained from her wrinkled face upon hearing the words from the entranced Divination Professor, yet she was stunned; the Divination Professor spoke in a voice foreign of her usual mistiness, and the Deputy Headmistress wondered what to think of it.

Urgently, Minerva rushed to the armchair where the other woman was slumped limply. She had seen Sibyl's eyes roll up into her head as she had rasped the words, but now she was asleep and peaceful, like nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

Hoping it was a delusion caused by the stuffy room, Minerva frantically looked around. The air in the round tower Professor Trelawney called home was terribly hot, and the strong scent of incense was burning Minerva's windpipe and nostrils. Like Minerva, many of the Hogwarts teachers had returned from the summer holidays early to prepare for the new school year ahead. She had only gone up to the tower to say good morning to her colleague, keeping this visit for last, since the stairs up to the tower were punishing. Not only that, but secretly, the general atmosphere of the room -- and the woman -- irritated her.

Yet, when Minerva had gone up, this ... this was unexpected to say the least! Being quite prudent when it came to the subject of Divination, she wasn't sure if she should scoff at the little prediction or allow the terror buried in her heart to break free, and believe her colleague.

Minerva shook her head. Misgivings or not, she had to tell Dumbledore. She hoped the prediction was not a real prophecy, like those that Albus Dumbledore had explained Sibyl had given in the recent past concerning Harry Potter.

"Sibyl ..." she started, tapping the woman lightly on her cheek. The Divination professor did not stir, though Minerva was sure she was alive by her ragged breathing.

"Oh for goodness' sake, wake up," she snapped, her voice trembling underneath her harshness.

Minerva snorted in frustration, scanning the room for a portrait where the subject was neither asleep nor otherwise occupied. She spotted a small, incredibly dirty painting of a witch seated at a table with a crystal ball. The subject, a petite witch, wasn't paying any attention to the ball, instead she was drinking what was probably her umpteenth glass of sherry. Minerva inhaled deeply - of the poor lot on offer, she was the best, and only candidate.

Minerva hurried to the painting, waking the witch out of her sherry-pickled thoughts. "Fetch me the Headmaster. Tell him to come up to the North Tower as quickly as possible," Minerva ordered, her hand firmly pressed on her chest.

Although she had obviously heard the request, the witch in the portrait looked up drearily, shaking suddenly with a violent hiccup. The silken red bandanna draped loosely around her head fell off.

"Why yes, Professor Mc-hic-Gonagall. I shall -hic- fetch the Headmaster," she managed to answer. The witch had a smooth, misty voice that was just as irritating as that of Trelawney. She set off at a little limp, a glass of sherry waving in her hand and spilling its contents everywhere as she stumbled along.

Minerva spun around, seeing Sibyl had awakened.

"What- what happened?" Professor Trelawney asked softly, rubbing her forehead lightly. "Oh, hello Minerva," she said quietly, but a little stiffly when she noticed a pale Professor McGonagall standing over her.

Minerva folded her arms, sighing. "That's what I would like to know as well, Sibyl - what happened?"

***

In the Order of the Phoenix Headquarters, and his new home, Harry was sitting in the living room lost in thought. Hermione had been away for nearly two months, having gone on holiday with her parents, travelling France and Egypt, but would return only in a few days. Fred and George had gone to Australia in the hopes of expanding their Weasley Wizard Wheezes franchise. The atmosphere at Black Manor had dimmed drastically because the twins weren't there, leaving a quiet void.

Not that Harry was really complaining. He was having a ball with Ron and Ginny; playing Quidditch in the woods. Talking about old memories and figuring out new pranks to test on Dung. Sometimes Sirius and Tonks joined in those little jokes, which would cause Dung to yell across the house, then collapse in fits of wheezy laughter. But on this peculiar summer's day, the house was even more depressing. Perhaps Harry was missing Hermione too much or it was too hot ... or maybe, it was the emergency meeting that all Order members had to attend to.

Harry sighed, remembering the last day of term for sixth year... the last time he had seen Hermione.

He sat by the windowsill of his compartment, and his temple rested on the cool window. Harry felt a little sick as he watched the scenery fly by in a blur. A second later, though, he smiled to himself, happy that at least he would be going to a home he truly belonged to, and happy to have two wonderful best friends by his side.

The Hogwarts Express compartment was filled with his friends; Ginny, talking with Luna as they shared an upside-down Quibbler between themselves and discussed the answers to the month's quiz; Ron and Parvati were playing chess; Neville, trying to save the train seat and his grown Mimbulus Mimbletonia from Buster's mischievous claws. The other cats were relaxing all over the place and Pig hooted hyperactively in his cage, Neville's toad sitting on the top of it. And then there was Hermione.

"What are you smiling about?" Harry asked, locking eyes with his girlfriend.

Hermione leaned her head gently on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. "I was just thinking - about that little place on your property, you know the one we explored at Christmas ..."

"Aha, and you -- want to explore it again with me?" Harry raised his eyebrows, grinning.

"Well, yes. Though, I think we might have to compete for space with Sirius and Potions Mistress Snape."

Harry widened his eyes. "Ugh! Please, Hermione! I had the worst image..." Harry shivered and shook his head to clear away the disturbing vision of Sirius embracing Snape's sister.

Hermione smiled at his overreaction, and then looked out the window. "I'll miss you," she said softly.

"Me too. I have no idea how I'll survive," Harry chortled, lightly kissing Hermione on her forehead.

Hermione closed her eyes at his touch. "My parents have decided that after France, we'll visit Egypt." Hermione smiled. "The thought of Egypt really pulled my strings. I can't wait to go! I've always wanted to go there."

"I hope you'll have a great time, just please ... do not bring me back another Sneakoscope."

Hermione giggled and tried to tuck several long strands of Harry's hair behind his ear, but they eventually sprung back up.

"I'll write every day..."

"Me too," Harry whispered, feeling the train slow down sharply. A clink of chessmen breaking made Harry divert his eyes away from Hermione to Ron, who had an expression of horror on his face.

"I've won ... how unusual," Parvati announced to the entire cabin. Harry was forced between giving Ron -- who always won at chess -- a sympathetic look or to just laugh in his face.

Luna blinked above her Quibbler and caught Neville's eye, making him blush heavily. This distracted him from Buster who then suddenly scratched his hand.

"Well ..." Ron said, "my mind was elsewhere."

Parvati rolled her eyes, and Hermione reddened a little. "That's what they all say," Hermione said out loud, and grinned Ron's way.

"Ha ... ha, ha, ha," Ron replied scathingly, pulling himself up as the train finally halted, swiping the chessboard and broken figures away with a wave of his wand.

Mrs. and Mr. Weasley, Remus, and Sirius stood near the barrier chatting with the Grangers and Tonks. Harry stretched his arms up, observing their surroundings - smoke clouded the platform and happy parents stood with spread arms, waiting for the opportunity to hug their children.

Their belongings at their feet, Hermione lightly pecked Harry on the cheek. "I'll miss you so much."

"I know. I wish I could have a snog," Harry whispered.

"We can't. My parents are watching. It'll be ... awkward." Hermione smiled. She turned to Ron who was grinning behind, watching Parvati blow a kiss toward him as she walked off with her parents. "Goodbye Ron."

"Hermione, have a spiffing time overseas and don't get lost in the pyramids," Ron said, pointing his finger at her nose.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not that dull. And don't you forget to study hard for your Apparation tests ... the both of you," she pouted. Harry sensed she was feeling a little envious that she'd have to wait awhile before she could do her test, and use magic outside of school.

Harry and Ron looked at each other ... study without Hermione's help? Unthinkable.

"Hermione, please don't leave us..." Ron cringed.

Harry smiled at his memory and thought about the summer so far. The holidays, up 'til that point, had gone rather smoothly. No major catastrophes had presented themselves, considering what had occurred the summer before. And the one before that, for that matter. The only problem Harry had faced was a sprained wrist, suffered after being kicked out of his own bathroom, when he had upset its rather touchy sensibilities, the result of Sirius attempting to fix a leak and his wand backfiring. The misdirected magic had given the bathroom a sensitive mind when it came to people throwing clothes all over the place, forgetting to put the toilet seat down or whatever else it deemed offensive.

But Harry's injury had been fixed in a tick and he proceeded to kick the bathroom door. He was lucky to escape that time without receiving more injuries!

As the summer went on, there were the Apparation tests, Ron reasoning that he'd wait until Harry's birthday, so they could study together. It was pretty intense learning, they soon found out. Apparation wasn't as easy as Harry thought it would be, and Ron kept cursing Hermione for going off on holiday and leaving them without any know-it-all to help them.

Studying for Apparation reminded Harry of Muggles preparing for their driving license. First they had to learn the theory side of it and the different techniques before they were actually permitted to test the theories they had so faithfully studied.

Harry was surprised to discover that there wasn't really a spell to cast with Apparation. It was similar to the strategy of producing a Patronus, Harry thought. However, instead of finding a happy memory and concentrating on that, Apparaters simply thought about the location they wanted to Apparate to, and with a click and twirl of the body, the Apparation should work.

Prior to Harry and Ron's tests at the Apparation Testing Centre on Level Six at the Ministry of Magic, Fred and George tried to scare them off by relating all the horrible splinchings they had heard about. Harry thought they sounded more like urban legends and tried not to think about it as the examination approached.

The boys had been astonished when they passed their first test so easily. The instructor told them both to Apparate to a marked location where another instructor would mark their test. Harry did it very well -- landing on the red X laid out on the ground like he was supposed to. Ron landed just a little off, but it was still a pass worthy of flying colours.

They had celebrated that night. Mrs. Weasley had cooked all their favourites, and the house had warmed considerably with happiness and pride. But, beneath the short-lived euphoria of Harry and Ron passing their test, there were the meetings, which all Order members had been required to attend to.

Things were far from smooth for the Order Of The Phoenix. They were taking part in several investigations concerning deaths all over Britain, caused by the Death Eaters in Voldemort's league. The Dark Lord's wizard forces were becoming bolder and stories of people being killed -- especially Muggle-borns -- were appearing in the Daily Prophet everyday. Sirius kept saying, (and was repeatedly scolded by Mrs Weasley for saying such things in front of the children) that any day now, Voldemort was going to murder someone significant from the Ministry. Even though there was no conclusive evidence for this, Sirius had had the same intuition before Voldemort's defeat sixteen years ago and many important people had apparently died then.

"Like who?" Ron had quizzed one time. "Did the Minister of Magic die?"

"No, though there was a plot to kill or capture the Minister. Several Wizengamot judges, the Undersecretary and three Unspeakables, including-- ouch, Moony?"

Remus had gone out of his way to accidentally step on Sirius' foot, preventing his best friend from saying anymore. "Oops, my mistake!" he had replied with a warning scowl.

Harry and Ron had looked on suspiciously, but had to be satisfied with the answer they were given. If what Sirius said had happened, there was no doubt it would happen again.

The Order was too busy spying and investigating against Voldemort that Harry, Ron, and Ginny hadn't gone to Diagon Alley yet. For Harry to venture into Diagon Alley, he needed more than Sirius tagging along, and Harry feared he might not be allowed to go there at all.

Harry sometimes walked throughout the house, passing the basement during the heat of the day, unable to sit still for long. He couldn't really tell what was happening with the Order of The Phoenix, because he, Hermione, and the younger Weasleys were still not part of the Order, and the charms around the basement meant it was immune to the Extendable Ears. Harry sometimes wished his dormant abilities would awaken, just so he could at least know.

Recognising the danger involved, Harry might discover the secrets of the Order kept, but Voldemort could too. Though the Dark Lord couldn't discover the whereabouts of people and places under the Fidelius Charm, he could still know-- sense what the Order was talking about, regardless of how they tried to shield themselves; with his new power, nothing was impenetrable. This was an aspect Dumbledore had discovered after talking to Mrs O'Connor, and as a result, he had created a new spell of the Fidelius Charm, called the Fuzzling Charm. The new spell was placed around the house and property, and caused their true conversations to be twisted around in the ears of any eavesdropper. The spell would make the Order appear that were talking about the weather or some other dull conversation, when they were in fact, indeed planning an important mission.

They could only hope it would confuse Voldemort and deny him of information, despite his new power, as Mrs. O'Connor suggested. She'd been such a help, especially considering her husband's demise. Mrs. O'Connor's husband, Declan, was the Freiceadan Le Fios; the guardian of Harry's inheritance. He had died after being tortured for the secret that only Harry had honour to. But Voldemort had learned of the secret, chasing it and that which it had protected for so long. Despite the Order's best efforts, Voldemort had found what he wanted-- The Water of Knowledge, leaving Harry in the predicament to drink of it, and allow Neville to take it as well.

Unfortunately, as with Neville, the water had not taken effect quickly enough in Harry. Just as Dumbledore had thought. Harry often wondered if Voldemort was getting used to his new abilities and shuddered at the thought.

Harry shook his head, distracting his thoughts about the summer and crossed from the living room to the kitchen. The entire Order was attending an emergency meeting, and there was nothing for Harry, Ron and Ginny to do. Ron had been fed up by midday and decided to tend to Fred and George's request to gather some new prank item ingredients from out in the woods. Harry had decided to stay in the house, and Ron had wandered off tailed by Lilac, Harry's cat. Ginny sat in her room writing a letter to Dean Thomas, telling him about the new owl she had received from her parents for her exceptional ten OWLs, She'd needed a new one regardless, since Errol had died, but Benson was certainly a beauty.

Despite the appearance of normality, at least for a household within the wizarding world, the fact remained that Voldemort was now a part of their daily lives. Finding out secrets the Order kept was not really that particularly interesting anymore, but rather daunting. Most of the time they kept their noses out of it.

Harry sat down at the kitchen table, wishing Hermione would come back from her holidays with her parents, even though she was going to return in two days' time.

He crossed his arms and blew his fringe away from his eyes. It was utterly quiet, except for the annoying ticking from the clock behind him and the occasional crying from Mrs. O'Connor's baby, Brian, upstairs, who was quickly calmed down, presumably by Epona, the house-elf.

Harry began tapping his fingers on the wooden table in irritation. Hot and flustered, he thought about Apparating into the backyard to find out what Ron was up to, hoping against hope his best friend hadn't gotten lost with Lilac.

And then Harry heard a sharp little knock on the front door.

"MASTER ... AN UGLY, FAT HAG IS AT THE DOOR!" The Purple Hanging Ruby resounded.

Created by the Weasley Twins, the tiny purple doll that hung on the front door handle was a work of genius, and really a kind of blessing. Most people who dared knock on the front door were usually extremely surprised when the doll yelled obscenities about them. But the doll did have its uses, beyond the bonus of some interesting entertainment, allowing the occupants of the house vague, if rude, descriptions of the person, letting them figure out if they were recognisable or strangers they should be cautious with. There really was no need to, since Black Manor was secretly hidden. However, Professor Dumbledore had insisted, also casting a charm to ensure the Purple Ruby doll was able to tell them if the person was a Polyjuice charlatan.

Harry poked his head out into the gloomy hall. On Mad-Eye Moody's paranoid insistence, Harry was to never open the front door to anyone -- ever -- or even look in the eyehole, just in case someone tried to curse him through it. Harry hesitated, waiting for someone to come up from the basement. But no one came, and when the knock continued, he made sure he had a secure grip on his wand and neared the door.

"Any other descriptions you can give me?" Harry asked The Purple Hanging Ruby, which hung still on the door handle. At the same time, he remembered Moody's advice: never take a look out from a window, just in case they might be waiting to curse you. Harry wondered if he should stop listening to the old Auror in case he too, started to drink out of a hipflask.

The still doll seemingly came to life again, and opened her mouth wide. "SHE'S A FRIZZY LITTLE TWIT, SIR! SEEN HER BEFORE, MASTER!" she yelled again, her voice more hoarse than before. Harry raised an eyebrow, before suddenly, guiltily, he thought of Hermione.

At the thought of Hermione, Harry threw all caution to the wind and opened the door to find his musings had been correct.

Despite the anticipation of her appearance, Hermione surprised him, immediately shrieking and wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, yelling words that Harry couldn't make out since she had just about made him deaf in both ears.

"What? Hermione calm down--" Harry tried to say over her happy yells, but he couldn't stop smiling when he felt her touch again. She didn't release him, embracing him tightly, as if unable to let go, and Harry was glad she didn't. He had missed her too much for it to end.

"I'M HEAD GIRL!!!" he finally heard through the garbled, but jubilant shouts.

Harry stared with wide, yet happy eyes, and a buzz circled his mind. He had kind of expected she would be chosen as Head Girl. After all, she hadn't shut up about it in her letters, wondering who were going to be the chosen students. Even Ron had talked about it over the last couple of days, after their Hogwarts letters had come with their new schoolbook lists. Harry sensed his best friend was a little disappointed, just as he was that one of them hadn't been chosen as Head Boy, and they wondered who had been selected.

"That's fantastic, Hermione! I'm so glad it's you. Then again, was there any doubt you would be Head Girl?" Harry said. Hermione rolled her eyes. "But why are you back so early from Egypt? Not that I'm complaining." Harry beamed as Hermione placed some of her belongings on the floor.

"Oh, I couldn't wait to get back. I wanted to surprise you with the news and everything." She smiled, gave him a quick kiss and turned back to her parents who were waving back from their car, happily gathering the rest of Hermione's things.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Granger. How was your holiday?" Harry asked as Hermione's parents walked to the house.

"Oh it was great. Hermione showed us a lot of stuff we never knew existed in Egypt." Mrs. Granger babbled on, with Hermione nodding by Harry's side.

Mr. Granger placed his daughter's trunk inside the doorway. Crookshanks and Persia, (Crookshank's mate) who had both trailed behind, jumped on top of the trunk and sat down, their tails swishing side to side.

"Yeah ... and the belly dancers were quite nice."

"Oh shut up, Jack," Mrs. Granger said, slapping her husband's shoulder, laughing.

"So, how are you, Harry?" Mr. Granger asked, changing the subject.

"I'm all right, but I'm a lot better now that Hermione's here," Harry chortled. "Are you going to come inside?"

"We'd love to, but we've got to get back home. We've got a lot of messages to sort through at the dentist surgery," Mrs. Granger answered. Hermione pouted slightly in disappointment. Her parents were, of course, not members of the Order but they were nonetheless friendly with all of them, but Harry knew she wanted to include them in her wizarding life, now more than ever.

After saying their farewells, Hermione's parents left. Harry closed the front door and felt Hermione's hands touch his shoulders. He wheeled around, meeting his girlfriend's bright eyes.

"I've gotten plenty of presents for you all. I missed you and everyone so much!" Hermione kissed Harry softly again, and he sighed happily. It felt so good to be in her arms once more.

"So, where's Ron and Ginny?" Hermione broke away from Harry, though she held his hand as they walked further into the house, halting by the stairs. Her face was a bronzed colour and her cheeks glowed with vitality. Harry couldn't stop marvelling at her. But there was something else about her that made her different ... More changed, even. The months he hadn't seen her had altered her in his eyes. Hermione seemed more slender, yet more ... elegant and mature. She was nearly all grown up and this shocked Harry.

Harry realised he hadn't answered Hermione's question. "Ron? Ron is collecting some ingredients for the twins. You know, all that C trade stuff out in the woods?" Harry whispered with a flick of his eyebrows.

Hermione's smile faded a little. "Oh ... typical, really."

"While Ginny's writing a letter to Dean."

"And everyone else?"

"Everyone's in a meeting for the Order. Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall came in a few hours ago. Seemed like there was something bad in the air," Harry replied, his brow furrowed in bewilderment. Hermione was about to reply when someone else interrupted.

"Harry, who is it?" Ginny asked from the top of the stairs, two red-braided pigtails dropping over the railing. Harry could see his house-elf peeking out from behind Ginny's knee. "Hello Hermione, good to have another girl in the house," she said, grinning excitedly. "I would've come down earlier, but the bathroom decided to lock me in."

"And good news! Hermione's also the new Head Girl," Harry said, pointing his thumb at Hermione before she could break the news.

Ginny was thrilled. "Brilliant! I thought they'd choose you," Ginny said. "Oh! And guess what? I got ten OWLs!"

The girls were so delighted that their voices echoed loudly throughout the house, which was bound to send someone out of the basement. Harry imagined Sirius running out, demanding to know where the Death Eater was. Overreacting to the simplest sounds had become common in their tense world, even though the house was tightly secured under the protection of the Fidelius Charm and other spells.

"Keep your voices down," Harry cautioned. "The meeting is still going on."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Well, I for one don't want You-Know-Who spoiling my fun every single second, Harry."

Harry reflected on Ginny's point for a moment. "Good for you, Ginny! But could we just go outside and talk out in the woods, please?" Harry pleaded. He felt Hermione's hold tighten.

A door closed in the house and Harry saw Sirius approach them. "What on earth is going on here?" Sirius demanded. His hair masked his eyes as he stood with crossed arms in the middle of the hallway. "You startled Molly with all your yelling!"

"Sorry, Sirius," Harry smiled reproachfully, Hermione blushed a little as she pressed against Harry's side. "Hermione was made Head Girl, and all hell broke loose."

"Oh, hello Hermione. Weren't you supposed to be back in another two days?" Sirius asked with great surprise. Harry knew that his godfather was being cautious with Hermione's sudden appearance.

"I know, I know..." Hermione beamed, launching into the same explanation she told Harry.

Sirius smiled. "Congratulations, Hermione, for becoming Head Girl. That'll be cause for another celebration, don't you think so, Harry?" Sirius said proudly. Harry grinned. "I've got to pop myself back down there. Epona will fix your bed up, Hermione. Please make yourself at home. Oh, and like Christmas, be careful with the bathroom - it's not wise to hurt its feelings," he added with a little wink.

"Sirius, before you go, we're going to go into the woods and meet up with Ron," Harry said. Sirius nodded in approval before Disapparating.

"Does the pretty Miss want something to eat?" Epona asked brightly from between the wooden bars of the railing, her blue eyes shining expectantly. Harry and Hermione looked up.

Being the way she was with the rights of house-elves, Hermione frowned. "That's all right Epona, I'm not hungry, and I'll fix myself up in Ginny's room."

Epona's ears dropped a little. "Oh no, but I likes to do it, Miss." And she bowed, hurrying off to tend to the bed before Hermione could protest further.

"I swear, when I finish Hogwarts, I'm going to start a SPEW campaign," Hermione said determinedly.

Harry sighed, but didn't want to spoil the happy mood, and whisked Hermione out to see Ron.

Ginny was trailing behind cheerfully when she remembered she still had to finish off her letter, and fleeted back toward the house. "Wait for me. I'll bring down some sandwiches for lunch," she yelled, running back. Harry and Hermione continued their walk into the woods, following the path of lanterns to the special little magical patch they knew of.

It was their second time travelling in this part of the forest. The scenery had changed drastically from the forlorn wintry gloom of Christmas, and was now a summery haven, filled with vivid green plants, animals and pellucid, soft scented blossoms.

Hermione sighed happily and squeezed Harry's hand a little tighter and Harry grinned. It felt good to be back, healthy and happy to start afresh for the New Year. Harry glowed, feeling more cheer than he had for the entire summer.

Light sieved in delicate rays above their heads and butterflies fluttered past. Harry couldn't talk; his throat was tight. It was a moment to cherish, and he hoped he would never forget it, looking into her brown, sparkling eyes.

"So, how have you really been?" Hermione finally spoke. Harry bowed his head down, ripping his gaze away from her eyes.

"Fine ... I missed you heaps," he added.

Hermione giggled. "I was thrilled when you both passed your Apparation tests," she said, flicking her frizzy hair back over her shoulder.

Harry snorted, pulling away a branch that was obstructing their path. "I think getting a drivers license is much easier than getting an Apparation pass."

"Oh, but I can't wait nonetheless to do my test." Hermione grinned, then said, "can I borrow your Apparation Manual so I can study for the Christmas holidays? I'll be able to use magic by then."

"Sure you can, since mine's still intact. Ron had disfigured, ripped and mangled his out of frustration."

Hermione glared at him, like she couldn't believe anyone would destroy a book. "I suppose he wouldn't have done that if I was helping the both of you study," she replied. Harry tried not to laugh.

Hermione sighed and changed the subject after a moment's peace. "How is your ... um ... are you new abilities working or--?"

"Dormant still," Harry replied, feeling his heart constrict. "The same with Neville." His eyes scanned the drying litter on the ground. Harry didn't feel any different since he had drank The Water of Knowledge ... not really, considering he had achieved only average results in many subjects in his exams, except for Defence Against the Dark Arts, the only subject he excelled in. On the other hand, Hermione had gotten received top grades. He didn't feel like he had all the knowledge of the world in his possession, and Neville felt the same way.

"Oh, but ... Voldemort?" Hermione teetered, biting her lip.

Harry inhaled deeply. "Dumbledore guesses that it's working for him, but it's still at its early stages. The thing is, Voldemort is so much more experienced and powerful." Harry looked up. "Dumbledore says because my mind is at rest -- what were his exact words? - Oh, because this is summer, my brain is accumulating fluff, therefore nothing is working until I start stimulating my brain with heavy learning ..."

Hermione smiled lightly, and Harry felt her arm slithering along his back and she rested her hand at his side, so she could be closer to him. Leaning comfortably on his shoulder, Harry realised she was observing his features. He knew he was a little taller than her now, their height difference more apparent since he was not living with the Dursleys, and had enjoyed a good summer. His hair, however, was as wild as ever. Though his face had remained the same since Hermione last saw him, his eyes were a little sunken from a lack of sleep, cheeks pale. Harry turned his face away.

But Hermione stopped him in his tracks and faced him. Harry blinked, as Hermione's hand touched his cheek serenely and she swung forwards, her lips falling upon his own.

It sent a tingle of love vibrating through both of them.

But something always had to ruin the moment, and this time it was Lilac, meowing at the top of her lungs as she tried to hold onto a high branch of a nearby tree. Hermione looked up, pulling her lips away from Harry's, her eyes widening fearfully.

"Oh, Harry - Lilac!" She pointed behind him quickly. Harry turned around in confusion and saw the white feline dangling off a branch.

With Quidditch reflexes kicking in, Harry pulled apart from Hermione, catching the cat before she fell to the ground. He tried to restrain her, Lilac's claws instantly digging painfully into his shoulder. Ignoring the pain and struggling to shift the cat into a right position, Harry couldn't breathe, because Lilac's fur was suffocating him. "Lilac -- stop it," he managed to say through the haze of white.

Lilac calmed down suddenly at his request, lying in his arms and staring at Harry while she licked her pink nose. Hermione laughed, walking over to Harry, and began scratching behind Lilac's ears.

"What were you doing? Were you spying on us?" Harry scolded the cat. Lilac's purple eyes reflected the soft sunlight, seemingly uninterested in what Harry had to say.

"She's too curious," Hermione answered on the cat's behalf, "I'm also curious to see what Ron is up to," she added, shooting Harry a meaningful look.

Harry grimaced at the cat and let her go. He turned around, and just as Lilac disappeared into the trees, he saw Ginny running towards them.

"I'm back ... and ... I've ... got ... our lunch," she huffed, out of breath, showing Harry the picnic basket she was holding.

"Excellent. I am so hungry," Hermione said, before continuing walking.

Harry took the heavy basket from Ginny, because she looked as if she was about to collapse from a lack of oxygen, and they followed Hermione into the magical patch. Ron was at the far end, seated on a tree trunk shaped as a bench. He sat sprawled in peace, trying to catch as much warm sunlight as he could.

"Hey Ron, guess who's back?" Harry called out loud.

Ron opened his eyes and gaped when he saw Hermione waving back. He smiled brightly. "You're early," he said getting up, trying to wipe his dirty hands on the back of his worn jeans. "Missed us too much, did you? How was Egypt?"

"Oh, it was wonderful!" Hermione replied, her hands in the air when Ron approached, his gangly figure towering above her, Harry and Ginny. "It was just as I imagined, and even better! Goblins were a little cunning in the pyramids, but that was my only complaint."

"They're such tricky blighters when they find some old tomb," Ron agreed. "Me and George were almost cursed by some when we stumbled across a tomb being investigated. We just got lost - I swear we weren't doing anything that would've gone against their wishes."

Harry watched the interchange a little jealously. "Okay, you're making me wish I had gone to Egypt now, even though the goblins are a little sly."

Hermione grinned. "You'll go some day too. Besides, I've got tons of books and photos to show you all."

Ron cringed his long freckled nose. "Photos are fine, Hermione, but if it requires me to read something, I won't be bothered then." Ginny was appalled by her brother's statement.

"Just like you to act sarcastically, Ronald Weasley," Hermione replied with a little huff. "But if you're getting the right ingredients for Fred and George, you'll either need the Herbology textbook to know what you're doing, or you actually managed to keep the information in that thick skull of yours, and applied it." Ron gaped at Hermione, a little stunned by her words.

Harry looked between them, taken aback. "Ouch, Ron!"

"Remind me never to insult her ever again," Ron whispered when Ginny and Hermione walked over to the bench to seat themselves.

Harry laughed. "That won't happen Ron - you're bound to crack again."

"And guess what Ron?" Hermione called out, revealing the news that she was Head Girl.

Ron smiled a little. "Oh no! Dumbledore has really gone off his rocker this time."