Harry and Hermione Pt. III -- Finishing their Sixth Year and Into the Summer

Chapter II

Within an hour, Luna had merged with Ginny and Hermione, trying to free them. Colin had merged with a white-robed Dean, who had been dancing with several girls. In each case, it had taken the efforts of both partners, each touching their wands (although not being able to pull them and do the magic directly) several minutes to accomplish what it took Harry only a few seconds to do. In each case, it had been a very emotional contact, and none could imagine sharing the experience with anyone outside of the small group, other than Ron, who was refusing to let anyone cut into his dancing with Susan Bones.

In the same period, Harry managed to find Padma, Parvati, and Lavender, and sent them off to the toilets to investigate. They found the area well supervised. Only Padma managed to cancel the runes on her shoes, but it took some fancy maneuvering to avoid the teachers and other adults doing WC duty. Until Harry found out more information, the girls agreed to keep quiet, sharing only with Hannah, Ernie, Seamus, and Neville, if they could be found, as the Compulsion sent Parvati and Lavender back into the dancing students.

By then, the small band had discovered that many of the most powerful teachers -- Flitwick, McGonagall, Law, Powell, Lupin, and of course Dumbledore, were missing. There were also six more people in orange than the staff would account for. After Padma had managed to report back to Harry, he decided to confront a teacher. He of course made a bee-line to Hagrid.

"Hagrid, how much longer is this going to go on?"

"Hi-ya, Harry. Why aren't ya dancin'?"

"Because after detecting the Compulsion, I destroyed the runes in my shoes."

Hagrid frowned, which was just visible behind his mask. "Ya shouldn't ought ta 'ave done tha', Harry."

"I shouldn't have been left down here, Hagrid, at least not without information. I'm the only one who can defeat V . . . Riddle, and the Headmaster knows that."

"Well, it weren' totally up ter Dumbledore," Hagrid admitted. "An' You-Know-Who ain't suppose' ta be here."

"All right. How much longer?"

"Before Nine-thirty, we hope."

"I'll spread the word."

"How many of the students have ya released?"

"Me personally? Two. If any dementors or Death Eaters make it down here, you'll be glad we've released more."

"Harry . . . we ain' exactly a' Hogwarts."

"Where . . . where are we?"

"I don' rightly know," Hagrid admitted. "I do know if'n the spell's not broke by Nine-thirty, we'll be hurled forwards in time an' sen' ta the Ministry tomorrow mornin'."

"Great," Harry complained. "I'll let everyone know they can stop worrying that we'll actually be able to DO anything."

"So, I see you have partially figured out the Ministry's little plot, Mister Potter."

"With some help, Professor," Harry said, turning to Professor Sprout.

"Are any of mine aware?"

"We made Susan aware when she was dancing with Ron, but they can't stop dancing long enough for me to release them or to try and release themselves. Padma Patil managed to free herself after we told her, and she should have informed Ernie and Hannah by now. We decided to limit the people in the know until after I talked with a professor."

"Why Hagrid?"

"There are six people in orange too many. Who else could I talk to, knowing who it was?"

"Good answer. Collect all those who have broken the runes and bring them over here, then you and Miss Granger collect the others who are aware and bring them here as well. I'll break their runes, but no body else's We don't want any more; if this gets out, it will cause problems."

"Problem?" another orange robe asked from behind Harry.

"Well, Professor," Harry answered Trelawney, "the problem depends on your view point." He turned and left.

The small group of freed students quickly gathered behind the buffet. With a little persuasion, they also managed to get Ron, Susan, and Lavender off the dance floor. Harry and Sprout quickly slashed the runes in their shoes. The staff and Ministry people had them join in patrolling the parameter, making certain than any students who were acting fatigued were escorted over to the buffet.

"Harry. . . ."

"Yes, Angel?"

"Luna and I. . . ."

"I know," Harry said. "She's pretty amazing, isn't she?"

"How was Colin?"

"Not as amazing, but very sweet," Harry admitted. "I can't believe it, but he kissed me, and I liked it almost as much as I did kissing Luna."

"I don't think I'm bi," Hermione said, "or you, either. But it does give us some insight into them, doesn't it?"

"True, but it also showed me, no matter wonderful they are, you're still very special."

"So are you. This is a pretty slow, sexy song starting. Shall we?"

Harry moved Hermione onto the dance floor. "Merge with me, Harry," Hermione whispered in his ear. "Let me feel your soul."

Madam Hooch came over to Professor Sprout. "If Severus were still alive, he'd be having fits," she said, nodding towards Harry and Hermione swaying past them, their auras actually visible and intertwining, showing their power and that they had a very great level of intimacy.

"I know. Merging in public like that! it's almost obscene!"

"Especially at that level of power. I've never actually SEEN auras merge."

"True; that is rare. And they're far from the only ones, even if we can't see it. Whomever's bright idea this dance was, they certainly didn't realize that so many couples would. . . ."

"Stay as couples throughout most of the dance, becoming more and more involved? Well, we didn't think of it, either. I just hope no one . . . merges in the physical sense. Once you've merged your magics, you either love or hate each other."

"And that merry band all merged across dating lines. I hope that doesn't form . . . complications."

Hooch shrugged her shoulders. "If I'd been in their position, I'd have tried it, too. Few people docilely accept orders or situations, and that group is even less inclined than most."

Sprout merely nodded and checked her watch. 9:12. They obviously weren't going to be released as early as some of the Ministry people had thought.

The 'all-clear' signal came through at 9:22. The staff released the runes after the current song had finished. At that point the music stopped in the main room, and Professor Sprout addressed both groups of students. "It is almost Nine-thirty. First and Second years, please be prepared to go back to your dorms. The rest of you may unmask if you wish, and you may also leave after the First and Second years have left. The Great Hall is not available. You may either go to your common rooms or the library only! The music will resume in ten minutes." The library and Great hall were of course the only places students could easily meet across House lines.

As the masks came off, many people were startled by whom they had been dancing with, some exclusively the entire time, or close to it. Years and Houses were well-mixed up.

Harry's group came up to Sprout. "I take it you're leaving?" she asked.

"Is that a problem, Professor?"

"Are you going to your common rooms?"

"Would it be possible for us to go to the DA room?" Harry asked, "and would I be able to see the Headmaster?"

Sprout thought a moment. "Yes and no. Go to the DA room as a group. Do NOT roam the halls for any reason singly. I will let the Headmaster know where you are. He'll send for you if he can see you."

"Thank you." The group swept from the room to the now-revealed exit.

Hermione, Ginny, and Susan had picked out some other students from the group, and so it was a moderate-sized group that met in the DA practice room under the Ravenclaw Tower. All the Sixth year Gryffindors were present, along with Ginny and Colin. Seamus' Fourth year girlfriend and Millicent Bulstrode represented Slytherin. Ernie Macmillan, Susan Bones, and Hannah Abbott represented Hufflepuff, while Padma, Anthony Goldstein, and Luna represented Ravenclaw.

For those who were not totally in the information loop, Harry filled them in on everything he had learned. Without exception, everyone was angry at being put under a Compulsion. Whatever trust the students had entertained towards the Ministry dropped. Even Susan Bones was upset.

After waiting forty-five minutes, many of the students decided to wait until morning to find out what was going on. By 10:40, only Harry, Hermione, Luna, and Ginny remained.

"You don't all have to wait," Harry told them.

"We have to stick together, so that no one is wandering the corridors alone," Hermione said firmly. Harry shrugged.

After a few minutes of silence, Ginny spoke. "Harry . . . would you . . . would you merge with me?"

Harry looked at Ginny, surprised.

"You merged with Luna, and Luna merged with Hermione. Hermione and I might never have merged, but we've been . . . close enough." Harry looked at Hermione, who shrugged her shoulders. "Please?"

"But . . . why?"

"Because I'd like to know you better," Ginny answered. "Because I want to share myself with you."

"Perhaps we should try something different," Luna suggested.

"A group?" Hermione asked.

"It might be best," Luna said, "if nobody minds."

Harry looked at Hermione, a look mixed of doubt, confusion, and desire on his face. "Well, we'd still be within the rules," Hermione said doubtfully. They were sober, consensual, in their Fifth year or higher, and within eighteen months of age. The informal rules also held -- they trusted each other, and for good reasons. They liked each other. She and Harry were lovers, as were Luna and Ginny. She and Ginny had experimented at Grimmauld Place that one summer to the point where Hermione had become afraid Ginny would transfer her crush from Harry to her. Hermione had been about the only person not surprised to see Ginny take up with Luna.

"Hermione . . . you know how I feel about you and Harry. I think Luna feels the same way. I know both of you are attracted to Luna, even if you love each other. If you, both of you, feel anything for me, then please?"

Harry and Hermione looked at each other, but were spared an immediate decision when Lupin knock on the chamber door. "Harry, I need to take you to the Headmaster. Hermione, Ginny, walk Luna back to Ravenclaw, then go back to Gryffindor together. I know you all know the castle was breached. We think we caught everything that got in, but we can't be certain."

"How bad is it?" Harry asked when he noticed they were moving towards the Infirmary instead of the Headmaster's office.

"Bad enough," Remus answered. "On the plus side, our trap worked nearly perfectly. As best we can tell Voldemort committed nearly all his dementors, perhaps all of them, and all that came were destroyed. We did not count on thirty trolls being in the first wave as well, or thirty-three Death Eaters coming in soon there after, along with all his vampires except perhaps one, and then Voldemort himself."

"We won, and won big in some ways," Remus went on. "As I said, possibly all the known rogue dementors were destroyed, as were all the vampires that we know were here. It's possible one snuck in that we didn't detect. Nine Death Eaters were killed, fifteen captured. Voldemort was hit with a number of killing spells, and he left injured but alive -- they either don't work against him in his current form, or only your's would kill him. Nine other Death Eaters escaped, and all were at least slightly injured. On our side . . . losses were almost as heavy."

"Dead?"

"A number of aurors and hit-wizards were hit, and some are dead. The Headmaster and Voldemort dueled again. Both were seriously injured. I hope Dumbledore survives."

Harry swallowed nervously. They went into the Infirmary. Remus led Harry through the bustle to one of the small private rooms. Remus merely opened the door, but did not follow Harry in.

Dumbledore looked asleep. Part of his magnificent beard was gone, and Harry could see the residue of burn-unguents on his face, neck, and shoulder. The right side of his face was also swollen, although Harry guessed the injury had likely been much worse shortly before. The old man's left leg was set in a splint.

Harry just stared. Dumbledore finally opened his left eye, and waved Harry closer. "Ah, my boy. Thank you for returning the visit. It seems usually I visit you here." Dumbledore's voice sounded very old and tired.

"Yes, sir," Harry said softly.

"Even though you are not yet ready to face Tom for your final battle, I did ask that you be present tonight, just in case he came after all. I would have felt much better, knowing you were there to help with the fight. Amelia apologized to me a few minutes ago." He closed his eye. "We shall do better next time."

"I'm sure we will, sir."

Dumbledore's mouth quirked at Harry's tone, but he did not open his eye again. "My dear boy, it is possible that it is time for the next great adventure, but I do not believe it. We do not always get to finish what we start, but I have a feeling I shall be here when Tom goes. However, just in case, I wanted you to know I wanted you with us tonight. I wanted you to know how proud I am at everything you have so far accomplished and how sorry I am that my plans have caused you pain. And I wanted you to know . . . that I love you like the grandson I never had."

"I hope you outlive Mistress Merry's record," Harry said.

"That I doubt," Dumbledore said weakly. "I do hope to at least live long enough to not only know at least one of your children, but to have them really know me."

"I'll let Hermione know, sir."

Dumbledore almost was able to grin. "The Minister was very contrite. Remus will be talking with you about a possible plan for the summer, if I don't myself."

"You will, sir."

"I think I need some sleep, and you do as well," Dumbledore said.

"Sleep away, sir," Harry stated, pulling up a chair.

"Keeping an eye on me, my son?"

"It's one way not to get left behind."

Now Dumbledore did smile.

"Where's Fawkes, by the way?"

Dumbledore frowned. "I don't know. Do not wander the corridors at night, especially tonight. Take someone to my office and check on Fawkes when you can." Dumbledore was soon asleep.

Saturday, February 15, 1997

12:40 am

It was just after midnight when Madam Pomfrey came in. "Have you advanced so far in your medical studies that your attendance is necessary, Mister Potter?"

Harry roused himself. "I don't know enough to do anything, but I do know enough when to yell for help."

She smiled at him. Harry would never make a healer, but neither would he ever do anything stupid with an injured person. Then she frowned. "No Fawkes yet?"

"Not yet. I'm supposed to check his office as soon as someone is free to go with me," Harry told her, somewhat unhappy.

"Mister Potter, not even the hit-wizards are walking alone tonight. I'll see who's available."

Twenty minutes later, Harry and Remus were hurrying through the corridors. "Is there any way to really destroy a phoenix?" Harry asked worriedly.

"Not that I know of, but there's probably some way."

Harry gave the password -- and the door didn't open.

Remus gave the password, which he knew had been in use that evening. The door remained closed.

"Come on," Harry said.

"Where?"

"We can't break in -- Umbridge had some experts try last spring. We need to find a painting of a Headmaster."

Confused, Remus followed Harry down the corridor, knowing where he was going, but not why. "Over here, Harry," he called.

Harry veered around and followed Lupin down an adjoining corridor, where they finally came upon a portrait of a sleeping wizard in late fifteenth century dress. "I hope they haven't been silenced again," Harry muttered. "Hello!" Harry called.

The wizard opened his eyes. "Ah, Mister Potter. One of my other selves was hoping you would be by. Please wait while we exchange." Harry hadn't been able to say a word before the man was gone.

Remus frowned. "I don't understand."

"That's one way the Headmasters seem to know everything. All the paintings report to the paintings in the Headmaster's office, plus the paintings there may enter any portrait of the same person, no matter where they are located."

"I see," Remus said. "At least, I think I do."

"Ah, Mister Potter. I am Ifon Trowbridge We were hoping you would be the one to show up. We have a visitor, a rather powerful one."

"The missing vampire?" Remus asked.

"Yes. She showed up just as the attack started, saying that she believed the attack would fail. She seemed very surprised when the Dark Lord arrived in the Great Hall. When the Headmaster was injured, she was . . . trapped."

"And Fawkes is trapped with her," Harry said.

"That is true. She invites the pair of you in to discuss a deal. That will then allow Fawkes to leave."

Harry and Remus looked at each other. "Let's do it," Harry said.

"I go in first," Remus stated.

"Deal."

The pair approached the guardian. Remus again gave the password, and the door slid open. Remus pulled out his wand; Harry already had his out. Remus walked up to the stairs and Harry followed. Fawkes flew past them, a mere blur of scarlet.

The door into Dumbledore's office opened, and a high clear voice called out, "Come in. If you do not attack or try to expose me to daylight, you have nothing to fear from me."

"On those conditions, and since you released Fawkes, we agree," Remus stated.

"I was unaware of the need for the phoenix. I hadn't thought of it, and the paintings did not mention it until you contacted one. Come in. A werewolf and the friend and brother of a werewolf should not fear another creature of the night."

Remus and Harry walked into the office, which was ablaze with candle light. The vampire was a young woman, perhaps 18 when she had taken the Gift. At first, she reminded Harry a little of Hermione at the start of the year, about the same size as she had been then and with a wild head of chestnut brown hair. Her nose was a bit sharper, and her face more angular, and of course she was marbly white.

"I am Cassandra. Shall we talk?"