An Unexpected Situation

The day before Christmas, everyone awoke to see snow glistening on the ground. It wasn't very deep, but it was still falling in large flakes. Harry, Ron and Hermione went to the Entrance Hall and said goodbye to their friends before going into the Great Hall.

They decided to spend part of the day fine tuning their Dark Arts training. So after a quick breakfast the trio went at each other furiously, under the watchful eye of Professor Ravenwillow. The three of them were getting so good that they dodged the most difficult spells. The Professor said that they had learned all she could teach (without putting too much of a strain on them) and made them her assistants for the remainder of the school year.

After lunch, the Trio went to Professor McGonagall's classroom for Harry's Animagus training. They listened closely as McGonagall went over a few of the more difficult theories with Harry. Most of the lesson concerned Harry's transformation. He was getting closer, as he turned into a beautiful falcon. But a few seconds later, he was back in his normal form.

"That is so hard!" exclaimed Harry.

"But it will start to become easier, Mr. Potter," said the Professor. "We will do more after the holidays. You should be spending time with your friends now. Dismissed."

Harry could have sworn he saw a twinkle in McGonagall's eye as they left the classroom.

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The next morning, Harry awoke to someone gently shaking him. For a moment he thought it was Ron. He opened his eyes and saw Ron... and Hermione.

"Happy Christmas Harry," they said.

"Happy Christmas to you, too," replied Harry with a smile.

He put on his glasses and went downstairs with his friends. He saw several presents surrounding the sofa and chairs. He sat down and started unwrapping. Hermione got him a new Quidditch book ("I think there's a pattern here," thought Harry, remembering the Quidditch book he got last year), Ron got him a variety pack from Zonko's, Mrs. Weasley sent him his usual sweater and mincemeat pies and Hagrid sent a new box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.

The three compared gifts and talked happily. Soon they took their things to their rooms. They got dressed and wandered the halls of the castle, marveling at all the wonderful decorations that had been put up around the castle. Soon it was lunch time and they walked toward the Great Hall.

As they walked into the hall, Harry thought he was having a bit of a flashback. All the tables had been pushed against the wall and a round table sat in the middle of the Hall. Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Ravenwillow, Sprout and Flintwick were all seated as was a lone Hufflepuff second year.

"I wonder where Snape is?" whispered Harry.

"Maybe Voldemort called him again," whispered Hermione back with a nervous look.

"Harry! Mr. Weasley! Ms. Granger! How wonderful of you to join us," called Dumbledore, "My goodness, it's almost the same arrangement we had two years ago. Sit down, sit down."

The Trio sat and started in on a most wonderful meal that included roast turkey, roasted potatoes and other culinary delights. Everyone talked briskly and joyfully.

Before dinner was done, Hermione whispered to the boys. "We need to talk later. In private."

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After dinner, the three decided to go to the Room of Requirement, as it would allow them the most privacy. Hermione did the honors this time and the room was filled with cushions, plenty of drinks and several cakes and pies.

"Wow, I'm surprised," commented Ron, "there's not a book in sight."

"Oh, hush up you!" said Hermione with a swipe at Ron's shoulder. Harry just laughed, sat down and got comfortable.

Once they were all seated, Hermione spoke. "I've been thinking about... where you wanted to go with... us... for the last few weeks. I've thought about everything. The pros, the cons, and anything else that came to mind."

She turned and looked at Harry. "Harry, you mentioned that there was a risk if we decided to be together. I remember you saying that it was a risk to be our friend, since Voldemort is after you. And I've decided that I since I'll always take that risk, then I will risk being with you."

She turned to Ron. "Ron, you and I have always had a unique relationship. At first we didn't get along too well, but you've proven that you would do anything for me... including belching up slugs. I feel like we've come along way. And I want to be with you, too."

She stood up and pulled Ron to his feet. "There is one thing I need to make sure of." She stepped up to Ron and gently kissed him on the lips. Ron put his arms around her and the kiss deepened. They went slowly, taking time to revel in the feelings that went through them. Harry thought it was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.

They broke the kiss, panting for air. "Wow," exclaimed Hermione.

"I know. That was incredible," replied Ron.

Hermione walked over and grabbed Harry's hands, pulling him to his feet. "Don't think I forgot about you," she said with a smile. Harry took her in his arms and duplicated what he saw Ron do.

Harry thought he was in heaven. As Hermione parted his lips with her tongue, he sighed happily and explored her mouth. To Harry, this was better than any Quidditch match. It was a wonderful feeling... a feeling he knew would only get better with time.

They broke the kiss, breathing heavily and looking into each other's eyes. Hermione bit her lip, then started giggling.

"And just what is so funny?" asked Harry.

"I was just thinking of what your adoring fans would say," she replied with a laugh. "'So what's it like to kiss the Boy-Who-Lived?'"

"Oh, you're just a laugh riot, Granger!" exclaimed Harry as he tickled her. Ron joined in and soon the three collapsed on the cushions laughing. Eventually, they stopped so they could all breathe again. Harry and Ron looked at Hermione and smiled. They felt complete... whole... like nothing could stop them. Then Hermione broke the silence.

"I was wondering..." She trailed off, looking at Harry, who raised an eyebrow at her. "Well... I've never seen two guys... you know, kiss." The heat spread to her cheeks. "Do you think you could...?"

Harry and Ron smiled at each other. They sat up and leaned over Hermione. Their lips came together and Hermione gasped.

As his tongue sought Ron's, Harry thought of the difference between Ron and Hermione. Her lips were soft, her tongue gentle and reserved. Ron's lips were not as soft, but still felt wonderful. His tongue was more eager, exploring Harry's mouth thoroughly.

When they broke the kiss, they turned and looked at Hermione. Her face was flushed and her breathing short.

"That... was the most erotic thing I've ever seen."

Ron smiled. "So, you think you can get used to us?"

Hermione thought for a moment, then smiled wickedly. "Yes... I think I can."

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The next two days passed uneventfully. The Trio took full advantage of everyone being gone to wander the castle at their leisure. They purposely avoided the dungeons and spent most of their time going to places they came to as the staircases changed. The three friends true enjoyed having the castle all to themselves.

They also talked about how far they wanted to take their relationship. They all agreed that it was much too soon to explore it more physically, even though the idea appealed to all of them. They decided not to rush too far into anything... they would just take life as it came and simply enjoy themselves as much as they could. Knowing that the war was coming also influenced their decision greatly.

They went to sleep on the second night without a care in the world. Harry went to sleep quickly but it did not last long. A dream came to him and it seemed like he was in a fog. Everything was a blur and he couldn't make anything out. People were racing from one direction to another. Spells were being cast, but Harry did not know what they were. It was like watching a blurry movie with the sound muted. He could not understand what was going on. A dark form suddenly obstructed his view further. A boney hand reached for him.

Suddenly he sat up on his bed. His scar was red hot with pain. His hand immediately went to his head and he yelled in pain. Ron was awakened and ran over to him.

"What is it, Harry? Another vision?"

"I'm not sure," said Harry as he winced in pain, "This one seemed different. But I think we should tell Dumbledore, in any case."

Ron helped him up and they went downstairs, meeting Hermione as she came out of the prefect dorm. She nodded and opened the portrait hole. They moved slowly down the hall, as Harry's scar was still bothering him. They soon came to the stone Gargoyle.

"Uhh, I don't know the password," said Harry.

"Hmmm... dirty knee," said Ron. Nothing happened. "Lemon drop... cockroach cluster... dammit! Ahh..."

Hermione's eyes grew wide. "White Christmas!"

The Gargoyle moved and they climbed up the spiral stairs. Hermione was about to knock on the door to Dumbledore's office when it suddenly opened. A dark figure was standing inside.

"Harry?" came a voice from the man. Harry recognized it.

"Sirius!"

Harry let go of Ron and rushed into his godfather's arms. After a moment, they let go and went into the office. Ron and Hermione followed. Greetings were exchanged as Harry sat down across from Dumbledore.

"I just had the strangest dream," said Harry, "I think he may be on the move again."

Dumbledore's expression changed immediately. He looked serious and concerned. Sirius looked at Harry.

"Tell us what you saw, Harry," said Dumbledore.

Harry then gave them as much detail as he could. He remarked that this was the first time he did not see anything clearly as he had before. He also told them that he could not hear anything or make out where he was.

"Harry, did you see anything that looked like walls... a corridor, a room, anything?" asked Sirius.

Harry pondered this for a moment. "It was like looking at a wall with several blurs going by. The wall was probably very shiny, like it had been polished. The color was dark blue... I'm not really sure."

Dumbledore took this all in and sat back in thought. After a few moments, he made several writings on a piece of parchment. Finally he stood up and walked over to Sirius.

"This is a list of places that Harry might have seen," said the Professor. "I want you to contact Mr. Latham's parents as well as Lupin. I have no doubt that Voldemort is active again. But we need to find out where he has been."

Sirius nodded and turned to Harry. He could tell that Harry wanted him to stay.

"Sorry this is so short," he said with a frown. "Hopefully, this will be all over soon and we can get together again."

"I understand," said Harry as he got up. He gave Sirius one more hug, then watched as he turned back into the large black dog. Ron patted him on the head and opened the door to let him out. Once the door was closed, Dumbledore summoned Ron back to his desk. He stood beside Hermione, who was kneeling by Harry.

"I am glad you came to me so quickly," he said. "You may not think you are doing much to help, but it so helpful to everyone. Especially if it helps us stay one step ahead of Voldemort. Unfortunately, he may have gotten the jump on us tonight." He looked at Harry. "Does you scar still hurt?"

"Not much now," said Harry, rubbing his forehead. "I'll be ok."

"All right. Now back to bed. I think some sleep will do us all some good."

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A few days later the students returned to the school in high spirits. Ginny and Neville walked in and greeted the Trio. Harry could tell they were very interested in each other, but were trying not to show it front of Ron. Alex walked in with Luna a moment later. They were holding hands, making Harry smile. They went into the Great Hall to catch up with each other, as going to the Common Room would be very noisy.

Harry, Ron and Hermione filled the others in on everything that had occurred: Harry furthering his Animagus training, Snape being gone on Christmas Day, the night Harry's scar hurt and seeing Sirius.

"Well, what do you think it all means?" asked Neville.

"He's going for something big." The statement came from Luna, which shocked almost everyone. "Something that will make a big impact. The Azkaban raid was big, but I think he wants to surpass it."

"But what?" asked Alex. "I can't imagine him having the balls to do anything bigger than that."

"Then you don't know Voldemort," said Harry, "He is capable of absolutely anything. He kills without thinking twice. I think we should be on our guard. Who knows what could happen."

As he finished, he looked around the room. Draco Malfoy was standing at the doors of the Great Hall. He gave the group a look of disgust and walked away.

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The next morning started like most others. Everyone got dressed and gathered their books for another day of school work. They were about to leave the Common Room when Professor McGonagall's voice sounded throughout the school.

"Attention everyone. All classes for the day have been cancelled. All students and teachers please report to the Great Hall at once."

They all looked at each other with great worry. They quickly put their books back in their rooms and went to the Great Hall. When they entered, they saw people asking each other questions and making comments. All the teachers were seated at the High Table. Black curtains hung in front of all the windows. A man and woman sat on either side of Dumbledore. Harry recognized the man immediately.

"Ron! Ginny! It's your dad!"

They looked up and sure enough, there sat Arthur Weasley. He looked nervous and tired.

"I wonder who the woman is?" asked Alex as they sat down at the Gryffindor table.

Harry shrugged his shoulders and looked at the woman. She looked rather haggard and noticed that Dumbledore and Mr. Weasley talked to her every few minutes.

Professor McGonagall clanged a spoon against a water goblet and the room became silent. All eyes were focused on Dumbledore as he stood up.

"I am afraid I have called you all here because of some terrible and tragic events that have taken place. I now present Malfalda Hopkirk, who works for the Ministry of Magic in the Improper Use of Magic Office."

The woman hesitated for a moment then stood up. She was tall and lanky, with short brown hair. She had the look of someone who has been through something she did not wish to go through.

"As Professor Dumbledore stated, I am here with terrible news. As you know, for the past several months there have been attacks on Muggle settlements, and most recently, the attack on the Azkaban Prison. We thought that these attacks were the work of a band of rogues who were doing this to compromise the Ministry." Her voice, although very strong and proper, seemed to waver on the last sentence. "However, on December 27^th, we learned that these attacks were the direct work of... Voldemort."

A wave of shock went through the Hall. Harry and the others were not surprised.

"We know this to be true because on the very date I mentioned, the Dark Lord and his followers... orchestrated a direct attack on the offices of the Ministry itself." The sound of disbelief echoed off the walls. "The attacks began when several Death Eaters Apparated inside the Ministry itself, leading us to believe that someone working in the Ministry itself planned the attack, as there are Anit-Apparation spells around the offices. 2 members of the Ministry - Gilbert Whimple and Arnold Peasegood - were killed in this attack."

The woman hesitated once again. To Harry, it seemed like she was having trouble finishing what she had to say.

"However, the man who suffered the worst was the Minister of Magic himself. Cornelius Fudge was tortured by Voldemort himself... and he... he has suffered the fate of the Dementor's kiss."

Harry's blood went cold. He remembered what Lupin had told him two years ago about how a Dementor sucks the soul out of you. He knew that Fudge was now a mindless drone who would never recover. He looked around and saw that everyone was in shock. Alex had his hands over his mouth and was staring at the table. He was mouthing something but Harry couldn't make out what he was saying.

"I know this to be true because... I was forced to watch."

A hushed silence came over the room. Hopkirk slumped in the chair, unable to say anymore. Arthur Weasley walked over and tried to comfort her. Almost everyone looked nervous as Dumbledore stood up once again.

"As you can see, this news affects us all. You may be wondering why you are being informed before your parents. I received word this morning that the Daily Prophet has printed a special edition of their paper today. As we speak, it is being delivered to every Wizard household and shop in the country."

"I also want you to know," said Dumbledore with great conviction, "that I will be working with the Ministry to help them through this crisis. Soon, the entire Wizarding world will know of his return and we will accept any aid that comes to us. As far as Hogwarts is concerned, we will continue as normal tomorrow. There will be increased security as Aurors and other volunteers will patrol the gates and school grounds. And I want you all to be on your guard at all times. Even when you are in your Common Rooms or in the Library... be alert!"

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The students left the Great Hall in stunned silence. Dumbledore had issued instructions that no student was to leave the castle for the rest of the day. They could walk the halls and go different places inside if they desired. Harry and the others went straight to the Room of Requirement. They sat around the fire, still trying to take in the news of the attack.

Alex slumped in a chair and looked downwards. There was a great sadness on his face.

"I... can't believe it. I didn't want anything to happen to him. I just had a feeling..."

Luna walked over and hugged him. She leaned back and looked him right in the eye. "It's not your fault. There was nothing you could do. Unfortunately, no one else would have believed you."

Yeah," said Ron, "Can you imagine what someone from the Ministry would have said if you told them that. They would have put you in St. Mungo's without a second thought."

Harry nodded his head. "I don't even think Dumbledore would have seen the logic behind it."

"The point is," interjected Ginny, "is that we need to get past this and prepare ourselves. I know we've been doing Dark Arts training, but I still think we may need more."

The room fell silent. Alex lifted his head and looked at Harry with a slight smile. "Harry, didn't you say that you could cast a Patronus?"

"Yeah."

"Then that may be our next step," said Alex excitedly. "We know Voldemort is using the Dementor. If we can convince Professor Ravenwillow to teach us this, we'll have a huge advantage."

Hermione looked thoughtfully at Alex. "I think he's right. After all, the Professor said she was going to have you help the rest of us."

Harry looked around. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea, considering he had only learned the spell less than two years ago. But, he thought, Alex and Hermione did have a point.

"All right. If we can find her later today, I'll talk to her and see what she says. Let's go to the Library and see what else we could do."

They all agreed (even Ron) and left the Common Room together.