Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

     Chapter 2

     Midnight Thoughts and the Return of a Friend

    Hermione was too fretful to be kept still too long. She convinced Ron to go to sleep. "I'll take the first watch, Ron," she said. A few moments later Ron was softly snoring to Harry's left and Hermione sat on Harry's bed watching the moonlight illuminate his face. It was unusually pale, his dark hair falling in his eyes. She reached over and touched his cheek. His skin was cold and his face still like the moonbeams that shone on it. Hermione's eyes welled yet again with fresh tears. She didn't know where they came from as she had never cried this much when Harry had been hurt before. 'Maybe it's because you never let yourself feel this way about him before. Because his life has been so dangerous, you turned your heart,' Hermione thought. Then she gasped. Where had that come from? She had just agreed to date Ron earlier that day after he told her he loved her several times. Something nagged her mind though. 'I couldn't honestly tell him that I loved him back. I just agreed to date him because he seemed to want it so much,' she thought. 'With Harry it's so much more. I care for him, not like a brother like I care for Ron, but as something more,' her thoughts continued.

    Hermione turned her attention back to Harry. Wiping the tears from her eyes she laid her hand against his cold forehead and traced his scar with her thumb. "Come on, Harry James Potter, we need you now more than ever. Who's going to cause trouble in Gryffindor without the three of us now that Fred and George aren't in school? I need you," Hermione said. Then she did something that surprised her. She leaned down and quickly kissed Harry's cold lips, willing them to warm up again, as if her kiss would bring him back. Hermione focused on his face intensely after the kiss. She had felt his eyelashes move as if he were opening his eyes. "Harry?" Hermione asked, looking down to see the bottomless depths of Harry's emerald eyes.

    Harry felt her jump up from the bed and watched her as much as he could without turning his head. His body didn't seem to want to move just yet and Harry wondered what Voldemort had done to him this time. He blinked a few times to get these thoughts out of his mind, replacing them instead with the thought that Hermione had been so close to him and how good it felt. 'You can't think like that. She's most likely your best mate's girlfriend by now and you know how Ron is. He was so determined to ask her out. You can't ruin that. But why oh why then had Hermione kissed me, and why do I want more?' Harry thought, his mind a jumble of feelings. He had heard her say that she needed him and then felt her warm lips press against his. A shiver ran along his body at the thought. 'I love her but I can't have her, just like everything else in my life,' Harry thought, wanting her to hurry back to his bedside so he could say something to her.

    She had jumped up from the bed and ran toward the now closed door to Dumbledore's inner office. There were low anxious voices inside but Hermione didn't care what she was interrupting. Harry was awake. She flung open the door and her eyes flashed back and forth between two things. One, the image of Remus Lupin sobbing. His worn face was red from wiping the tears that still fell from his eyes. The other image was a large black dog that had been trying to hide under Dumbledore's desk which bore a striking resemblance to Sirius Black's animagi form Padfoot, or Snuffles as the trio had begun to call him.

    "Well, Miss Granger, what is the change in Harry's condition?" Professor Dumbledore asked gravely.

    "He's opened his eyes," Hermione said, her face very white. She heard the dog bark once and start running toward the now open office door as Remus stood up almost quickly enough to knock over his chair.

    "STOP!" Hermione said, grabbing the dog by the scruff of its neck. "If it goes charging out there Harry will see and think its Snuffles. Harry will think that either he is dead or Sirius has come back to him even though we've all told him that cannot happen," Hermione said.

    "Miss Granger has a point, Sirius," Professor Dumbledore said, waiting for him to transform.

    "Si . . . Sirius?" Hermione said, her voice failing her and her face losing any colour it had left in it. Remus grabbed her arm to keep her standing and smiled at his friend.

    "Careful, Padfoot,. I'm sure that Harry would want us to keep this pretty thing in one piece," he said.

    "Sorry Hermione. Please, how is Harry?" Sirius asked.

    "He . . . oh Merlin . . . he looks awful. He's so pale and cold. It's almost like he's dead," Hermione said.

    "I suppose you'll want an explanation now, that way you can help Harry deal with things later," Dumbledore said.

    "How? We saw you die, Sirius. Well I was unconscious but from what I've heard from Harry and Remus it was horrible. Harry had to be held back to stop him from following you behind the veil. How did you get out of there?" Hermione asked.

    Sirius's eyes filled with tears. "I had to do it, Hermione. I promise I'll explain every detail later when Harry is stronger. Just know that I'm free now to keep Harry safe. I can fulfill the promise I made to James and Lily," he said, grasping Remus's arm to keep from staggering in his grief.

    "As soon as the Ministry finds out you're alive you'll be back in Azkaban or back in hiding only this time you'll have to go far away," Hermione said. "Harry can't even fully accept that you were gone let alone get you back now and then lose you again right away," she continued.

    "The Ministry isn't a problem. We've caught Peter. The rat has been sentenced and sent to Azkaban to await the Dementor's kiss. Knowing Voldemort he won't stay there long, or the Dementors for that matter, but I've been cleared," Sirius said. "Merlin, come on we have to tell Harry! He may be confused but it will give him a reason to keep his eyes open. Oh Merlin, his eyes were open and I just left him there all alone," Hermione said, rushing out of the room not caring if anyone was following her.

    "Well that was an interesting conversation with your future goddaughter-in-law. Come now, Sirius, you had to have seen her love for Harry. I only hope Mr. Weasley understands. Harry needs both of his friends now if he is ever to defeat Voldemort," Dumbledore said.

    "I need to see him, Albus," Sirius said, following Hermione into the main part of the office. Remus and Professor Dumbledore were right behind him. Sirius caught sight of Harry laying in bed, whiter than the sheets and he felt like his heart was breaking. He noticed that Harry's eyes were still open. "Can you hear me, Harry?" Sirius asked, reaching out to hold his godson's hand.

    Harry looked around at all the anxious faces around him. He took a deep breath and thought about just closing his eyes. He could feel tears forming and didn't have the strength to wipe them away. Hermione saw the strained look in Harry's eyes and the reason he wouldn't focus on anyone's face. Conjuring up a handkerchief, Hermione wiped his eyes. She briefly picked up his hand and squeezed it gently before bringing it to her lips and kissing it. "I love you, Harry," she whispered.

    Ron was a jumble of emotions. He had just woken up to see that Harry was awake, looking far more vulnerable than Ron had ever seen him. Then someone who looked like Sirius came into the room and started talking to Harry. And to top it off Hermione, his girlfriend, had just wiped away Harry's tears and kissed his hand. Ron's heart sank when he heard Hermione whisper to Harry. "Hermione, we need to talk," Ron said.

    Hermione looked at Ron, guilt in her heart. He had seen her kiss Harry's hand and from the expression on his face had probably heard what she said to him. "Ron, please, not here, we'll go over there a little and let Harry and Sirius talk," Hermione said, gesturing to the other side of Dumbledore's office near his desk.

    "Don't lie, Hermione. You love him don't you? It's always been Harry, even when I told you that I loved you. Why Hermione? Why does Harry get everything?" Ron said, his voice getting louder as his anger took over.

    "Everything Harry has came at a price, Ron. Don't you think he would rather have his parents than a vault full of gold and the fame that makes it impossible for anyone besides us to see who he really is? I can't help who I love, Ron. I didn't even realize what I felt until Harry was hurt and I was afraid he would never wake up again. I agreed to go out with you because, well I'm not sure why. I knew you loved me and I didn't know how I felt for anyone," Hermione said, her eyes pleading with Ron to not hate her, or Harry.

    "Don't give me that! It's always been Harry. I've seen how you two are when you think no one is looking. You always find an excuse to touch him or help him extra even when you won't help me with our homework at all," Ron said, his face slowly starting to match his hair.

    "When have I not helped you with your work, Ronald Bilius Weasley? My help is one of the reasons you've done as well on your OWL's as I'm sure you did. If you noticed something between Harry and I why did you insist that you loved me when you knew that I most likely didn't love you back? Is it because you wanted to get something that Harry couldn't have? If so, Ron, that just shows how much of a prat you can be," Hermione said, her own anger rising.

    At the same time on the other side of the room Harry and Sirius were staring at each other. Neither of them had said a word since Sirius asked if Harry could hear him. Remus and Professor Dumbledore watched them intensely. Well, Remus did while Dumbledore's attention was divided between the two conversations. A slight smile played on his lips and his eyes regained some of their sparkle as he watched Hermione confess to Ron that she loved Harry. 'Yes that will do nicely. They will find the power the dark lord knows not and use it to defeat him. Mr. Weasley will play a part as well,' Dumbledore thought.

    "Sirius," Harry said slowly. "Did I die?" Harry asked.

    "No more than I did, Harry. I'm alive. I know how much it hurt you to see that this summer but it had to be done. We've caught Peter and I'm free," Sirius said.

    "He didn't stay caught for long . . . he was with Voldemort when he attacked me . . . " Harry said. Then his eyes regained some of their brightness as he thought. "Can I finally live with you?" Harry asked, hope flooding his body. "You do know the Dursleys are dead. I have nowhere to go," he said, glimpses of his dream flashing through his mind.

    Dumbledore sadly nodded. The Dursley house had been reduced to smoldering ruins. The only things saved were Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage. "I'm sorry to say you're right, Harry. I wish you hadn't seen that particular moment. You will stay at Hogwarts of course and when things settle then you have your friends and now your godfather to live with," Dumbledore said.

    Hermione was livid with Ron. "How dare you say that, Ronald Weasley?" she screamed, interrupting the conversation that Harry was having with Sirius and Dumbledore.

    "Why not, Hermione? It's what you were doing wasn't it? You were stringing me along while you decided if you loved Harry or not," Ron said.

    "Please don't fight over me. I'm not worth it," Harry said, the tears now flowing down his cheeks no matter what he did to try to stop them.

    Hermione and Ron stopped yelling at once, both of them ashamed of arguing where Harry could overhear them. They turned and silently agreed to finish the conversation later. Hermione hoped that cooler heads would prevail. She walked over to Harry at once. "Never say that, Harry. We are sorry for fighting around you. I know how it makes you feel. But we came to an understanding, didn't we, Ron?" Hermione asked.

    "Yes, sorry mate. We're both here for you. I know I can be a jealous prat sometimes but looking at it now I wouldn't want to go through some of the things you've had to go through," Ron said honestly. He realized that he would have to give up Hermione. It wasn't fair to her to keep her away from what her heart was saying. Also, Harry needed both of them. If ever there was a time for the Golden Trio it was now.

    The two weeks until Harry's birthday passed in an odd sort of peace for the three Gryffindors. Dumbledore had informed the Grangers and the Weasleys that Hermione and Ron were needed at Hogwarts to be with Harry and both families agreed. The day after they arrived, Hermione and Ron finished their conversation and agreed to be friends. Hermione had admitted to Ron that they argued so much because they were like brother and sister. Ron was hurt by this comparison at first but realized that the only other person he fought with so much was his sister Ginny.

    No one was more surprised than Harry when they were allowed to use magic all they wanted since they were technically at school. Game after game of exploding snap followed along with Ron's attempt at building a giant exploding snap card house which ended with a trip to Madame Pomfrey. Ron was quickly covered in her patented orange burn cream to heal his singed eyebrows and hair. "Wake up, Harry. Happy Birthday," Hermione said, leaning closer to kiss his cheek.

    "Well come on then mate you have presents waiting," Ron said, distracting himself from watching Hermione kiss Harry's cheek by unwrapping a chocolate frog.

    "Presents? What did some angel finish all our summer work?" Harry asked.

    "If you're good, I'll help you with it later," Hermione said with a smile.

    "I'll get him dressed, go on, Hermione or we'll never get started," Ron said, grabbing Harry's arm. When he still didn't move, Ron smirked at Harry. "Do I have to call Sirius?"

    "Hell no! Why so early? I'm still supposed to be resting," Harry said, imagining the scene his godfather could cause.

    "Right, Harry, resting . . . and I'm Snape's best potions student," Ron said laughing. He knew that Harry might actually be listening to the advice to stay in bed for once since one of his least favourite places was the hospital wing. After all, Harry is the only one to have his name on a bed in the wing right next to Madame Pomfrey's office door, Ron thought. "All the adults said you could get up, including Madame Pomfrey," Ron added. Twenty minutes later they walked into the common room. Harry was quiet as he watched his two friends. They seemed troubled. Then it hit Harry. Hermione had been acting strangely around him, always hugging him or kissing his cheek. It made Harry's stomach flutter when he realized that he was having feelings for her. That he thought he could see Hermione as more than a friend. The only problem Harry realized with a sudden jolt was that Ron was also in love with her and Ron had already made his move during the first part of the summer. After all, Harry and Ron had talked about Hermione before school had ended and Ron said that he was going to ask Hermione out when she got to The Burrow. Harry, of course, had congratulated his best friend. Now however, Harry realized that he didn't want to give up Hermione that easily, even though loving her would be dangerous. 'Damn Voldemort always in the way,' Harry thought to himself.

     His mind raced as he stared blankly into the fire in the lounge. He hadn't even noticed that the fire was the only light in the room or that it was strangely quiet even for only the three of them being in the tower.

    "Are you sure this is the best idea? Ron, look at him, he doesn't even notice anything that's going on," Hermione said, carefully watching the expression on Harry's face. 'Is that a smile? It's been so long since I've seen him smiling,' she thought to herself.

    "He'll be fine, Hermione, let's give the signal for the rest," Ron said, using his wand to send up green sparks.

    Harry sighed as he sat thinking of Hermione. What was he thinking? How could he have fallen in love with his best friend? Especially after knowing for two years that Ron fancied her. 'Stop being a git,' Harry told himself. 'It's your birthday and your best mates are trying to cheer you up,' he continued, deeply lost in his thoughts.

    "Surprise!" A crowd of voices burst out from every corner of the common room. Harry looked around and saw the whole Weasley family, minus Percy, the prat still hadn't made peace with his family. Harry also saw several members of the order, among them Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, and Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody. In the far corner Harry finally caught sight of his godfather. Harry stayed seated on the couch overwhelmed by his thoughts and the people in the room.

    "Harry, are you okay?" Hermione asked, coming up to Harry and sitting on the couch with him so she could put her arms around him. It was almost habit for her to seek him out for a hug. 'Where did that come from?' Hermione thought to herself. It was so new for her to feel this way toward anyone, let alone Harry, he was her best friend. She breathed in Harry's scent as her head rested on his broad shoulder. She smiled, he still smelled of what she could only describe as dewy grass and moonlight. It was a distinct scent that made Harry seem like he had just come off of the quidditch pitch no matter what time of day it was.

    Her touch made his heart race and his cheeks feel flush. "I'm fine, Mione, thank you for making my birthday special. It's just that I'm not used to having people around for it. I'm usually in my room opening the packages that everyone sends," Harry said. He surveyed the room and saw that Fred and George were talking to Ron and his back was to them. Harry leaned over and put his other arm around Hermione, kissing her cheek. Immediately he felt the warm tingly feeling spread through him again. "We should mingle, Mione, before Ron gets angry," Harry said, not sure why he had said that.

    Hermione was in a daze as soon as she sat on the couch next to Harry. His voice nearly purring in her ear did not clear her muddled thoughts. Neither his arm around her, nor the kiss he placed on her cheek helped the matter. "Why, Mr. Potter, I do believe you're blushing, but you're right, we should go talk to everyone. I think Sirius would like a word with you," Hermione said, kissing his cheek in return.

    Harry took a deep breath and ran his hand through his messy hair as he approached his godfather. "Not a word, Sirius," Harry said, a brief smile on his face.

    "Not at all, not yet anyway. How's the birthday boy?" Sirius asked. There was something serious that he needed to discuss with Harry later tonight, but the poor boy deserved to enjoy the time with his friends first. "Go on now and open your gifts. I need to talk to you, but it will wait until later," Sirius said.

    "Are you sure? Is it something about Voldemort?" Harry asked, thinking about the damn prophecy.

    "Yes I'm sure it will wait," Sirius said, avoiding the Voldemort question for now.

    "Okay where are the gifts? Ron has been teasing me with them all day ever since he dragged me out of bed. I think I've been patient enough," Harry said, his smile broadening.

    "Here you are, Harry dear," Mrs. Weasley said from halfway across the room.

    Harry sat on the couch again where the gifts had been piled in the short time that Harry had stood up to talk to Sirius. There were packages of all sizes and shapes. He searched the lot for the gifts from his closest friends and saved them for the last. Picking up a small grey box, he opened it quickly. Inside was a foe glass like the one in fake Moody's office in fourth year. "You never know when you'll need it. CONSTANT VIGILANCE," the real Moody bellowed from his spot behind the couch.

    "Thanks, Professor Moody. I'll put it on my dresser," Harry said.

    "How many times do I have to tell you to not call me Professor? I never did teach you. I was locked in my trunk. Call me Mad-Eye," Moody said.

    "Sorry, I still call Remus Professor Lupin most of the time and he hasn't taught me in almost three years," Harry said. He picked up a heavy brown package next and saw that it was from most of the Weasleys. Inside was a black cloak, a new pair of dragon-hide gloves, and a pair of dragon-hide boots. Also, there was a sweater from Mrs. Weasley, and a variety of tricks and treats from the twins. "These boots are great, I was looking at them in a catalogue. Is it true they can block most jinxes and hexes and even some curses?" Harry asked.

    "Yes, and they are always the right temperature and keep your feet dry. Bill and I went in on them and the cloak and gloves together. The cloak has hidden pockets everywhere including one for your broom, a holster for your wand, and places for other weapons. It's the type of cloak an Auror wears. We figured we'd get you started early," Charlie said.

    "Wow thanks guys, it's wonderful and I needed a new cloak anyway. The old one is a couple of inches too short and it's well, not very warm anymore," Harry said, picking up the next package which was a joint gift from the rest of the sixth year guys in Gryffindor. "Hey thanks," Harry called out to Dean, Seamus and Neville who had gotten him a revised version of Quidditch Through the Ages, one which had Harry's name in the list of youngest seekers to ever play at Hogwarts. The sixth year girls had gotten him contact lenses that would magically change to his exact prescription and always let him see clearly. "Hmm . . . maybe I won't have to worry about always breaking my glasses during battle this year," Harry said.

    "That was the idea," Lavender said with a smile.

    "Oi, Harry, I almost forgot this. Lo . . . Luna left this at The Burrow for us to give to you whenever we saw you. Mum reminded me when she got here this morning," Ron said, handing Harry a small box wrapped in the brightest blue paper Harry had ever seen. He laughed as Ron finished his sentence as he nearly called Luna by her nickname Looney, although doing so with Mrs. Weasley present would have earned him a good hard slap across his thick skull.

    "Well that was nice of her, she didn't have to go to all that trouble for me," Harry said softly.

    "It's your birthday, Harry, and she was with us last term you know . . . she fought with us and all . . . " Ron said, trailing off. He didn't want to bring up too many memories of the Ministry Battle. He was still having enough trouble with remembering what those brains had done to him. And Harry, well he had nearly lost Sirius in that veil and had thought him dead for nearly a month.

    Harry opened the little box to reveal a black and green stone. It was slightly larger than the largest Gobstone and very heavy as though it were made of metal rather than stone. "Well, it's a pretty stone," Harry said, not seeing the purpose for it.

    "It matches your eyes and your hair. Oh, there's a note maybe it explains what it's used for," Hermione said.

    "Ancient worry stone. Designed to be an enchanted protection for the wizard or witch who worries too much," Harry read. "Place the stone in your wand hand and close your other hand over it thinking of your largest worry. A rune will imprint on the stone allowing the worry to be transmuted from the user to the stone," he continued.

    "Interesting, I wonder if they really work," Hermione said.

    "I'll test it later and let you read the rune, Mione," Harry said, his hand squeezing hers for a moment as their eyes met in swirl of unguarded emotion.

    Harry sighed and let go of Hermione's hand, ending their staring contest. He picked up the last of the presents that he hadn't set aside and opened it. The card opened itself and began to speak. 'Harry, this is something I think will benefit you eventually, if not this year. Part of the gift you are already familiar with. The other is what lets you know that you are its true handler. Use it well.'

    "No need to guess who this is from. You are the only one who tells me to use it well, Professor Dumbledore," Harry said, laughing as he opened the odd shaped package. The first thing he saw was a sword, but not just any sword. "The Sword of Gryffindor, sir?"

    "Yes, Harry. It has been yours since you pulled it from the sorting hat in your second year. You have been the first to wield it since Godric Gryffindor himself," Dumbledore said. Then he added, "That is not all of your gift, look at the other item."

    Harry pulled out a black velvet pouch and untied the strings. When he shook the pouch into his hand a large silver ring lay in his palm. "Sir, why is the ring warm, and what are the symbols on it?" Harry asked, his curious nature working overtime.

    "They look like ancient runes, Harry," Hermione said. She was curious why Professor Dumbledore was giving Harry clues to his identity as the heir of Gryffindor before he had even started proper Occlumency lessons but she didn't say anything.

    "Very good, Miss Granger. If school were in session that would be worth 5 points to Gryffindor," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling madly.

    "Wear the ring whenever you think you are ready, Harry. I don't know all the things it will help you do as I am not the one meant to wear it. It was your father's legacy and has just been found which is why I have not been able to give it to you before now. I believe that James also received it on his sixteenth birthday," Dumbledore said.

    Harry set the ring back in its pouch and continued opening his gifts. Remus and Sirius had finished off his set of defence books and had also added a set of Auror training manuals. From Tonks he had gotten a collection of Honeydukes sweets and a dress robe in a rich dark Gryffindor red with gold fastenings and trim. Hagrid had given him an old book of animals suited for Animagus transformations, which had a large section on magical creatures. Harry was surprised that someone seemed to know what he had hoped to accomplish this year, with or without an adult's assistance. Finally, he was left with gifts from Ginny, Ron and Hermione. Ginny had given him a new set of seeker's gloves and a tin of owl treats for Hedwig, both of which Harry appreciated since he wasn't able to get to Diagon Alley to do any of the shopping he needed to do. "Thanks, Gin. I needed both of these things but had no way to get them," Harry said, giving her a hug.

    "That's what I figured and I know how much you would like to play again and well your old gloves are nearly worn through from so many practices and games," Ginny said, hugging him back. She noticed that Hermione seemed a bit jealous that someone else was hugging Harry and that made Ginny smile. Finally, Harry and Hermione were going to get together, she thought.

    "Well I know you'll save Hermione's for last so open mine mate," Ron said, handing Harry a package wrapped rather messily in snitch paper. Inside was a giant bag of Every Flavour Beans along with a chess set with dark green pieces on one side and dark blue on the other. "Maybe now you can actually learn to beat me," Ron said with a laugh.

    "I doubt it but we'll have to break it in later and see," Harry said, picking up the last package from Hermione. It was the right size for a book. He opened it and it was actually a full set of school books for the year inside of a bottomless bag. "First of all thank you, Mione, but how do you know what classes I'll be getting? We haven't gotten our OWL's yet. Secondly, where did you find this bag? I've been looking for one for two years in all the catalogues," Harry said, pulling Hermione close to him to hug her for the thoughtful gifts.

    "I found the bag in a new shop in Diagon Alley when I bought one for myself. I couldn't resist getting one for you as well. I bought them for Ron and Ginny also and Neville and Luna will be getting them for Christmas," she said, whispering the last part into his ear. "I figured I owed all of you for my life from last year. But enough of thinking on that. As for the books, I just decided to assume you had gotten all the Auror classes you needed and bought those subjects and a few others for whatever electives you take," Hermione said, hugging Harry in return and leaning even closer to breathe in his scent again and then kissed him on the cheek.

    Harry's heart was pounding so loudly he was sure that everyone in the room could hear it. "Well thank you, Mione. I have no idea now what to get you for your birthday but I'd better make it good hadn't I?" He asked with a laugh. Harry had taken the velvet ring pouch out of the box as well as the sword of Gryffindor and sat with the sword in his lap wondering why it seemed to be calling to him. Or maybe it was the ring that was calling to him.

    Dumbledore sat and watched as Harry and Hermione sat progressively closer looking at the inscriptions on the ring and the blade of the sword. Then he smiled as Harry held the ring up to his finger debating whether to put it on.

    "I don't know if I should or not, Mione," Harry said.

    "When has Dumbledore ever given you a dangerous gift?" Hermione said, her heart pounding and her pulse racing each time he called her Mione. "Here let me put it on for you. It seems like just a family signet ring to me. Maybe your family were aristocratic? Your father was a pure-blood after all. This seems a lot like a ring that nobility would wear," she said, leaning her head on his shoulder for a moment to get a closer look at the ring while at the same time holding his hand supporting him in case he decided to put the ring on.

    "Alright then milady. Do me the honour of placing my family ring on my finger," Harry said.

    "Yes my prince," Hermione said, playing along. Little did she know how close she was to the truth.

    A few moments later Dumbledore approached them. "Well I see you've decided to wear the Ring of Merlin, and before you ask that is the only information I have on the ring. It is passed on to the eldest male in your family on your sixteenth birthday. There may be some more information in the Restricted section and if you wish I will give you permission to search before term begins, along with Miss Granger of course," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling madly. "Oh and Sirius wishes to speak with you now Harry, on a bit more important matter. He is sorry that it is on your birthday but it must be discussed. Could you come over here for a few moments?" Dumbledore asked, gesturing to the study end of the common room away from the fireplace.

    "Of course, Professor," Harry said, setting the sword back in its box and following the Headmaster across the room, a feeling of dread settling in the pit of his stomach as he had noticed the twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes had disappeared in an instant.