Harry Potter and the Mirror of Lehcar

"Hermione, Hermione!" Ginny was nearly screaming at the sight of Hermione's sagging body. She had no idea what had happened. Once Hermione had gone limp, Ginny lifted one of her arms and it fell as if all life had escaped her body. Ginny was about to go get one of her brothers, or maybe even her parents, when Hermione's head snapped back and she had two glasses of water in her hands.

"What the hell was that?" Ginny was practically crying.

"Oh, I just orbed myself," Hermione said as simply as if she had just gone to the bathroom.

"What the hell was that?" Ginny asked again, still in a fearful voice.

"It's similar to apparating but your body doesn't actually move. I left and got water, I was actually in the kitchen but my body was here, there was an apparition of me in the kitchen. I can only do it for a short amount of time but I can go anywhere and my body stays where it was. Do you understand?"

"Well, kind of-- but you seemed like you were dead," Ginny stammered.

"Well the life pretty much does leave my body but I'm still alive. I'm just not in my body for a little bit of time," Hermione explained matter of-factly.

"Right, I guess I kind of get it," Ginny said slowly.

"Here, I'll show you," and with that Hermione's body went limp again.

Ginny didn't really understand, but she didn't really have any time to think about it because there was a tap on her shoulder. It was Hermione, but not the real Hermione. Ginny was still sitting on the bed with the limp body of Hermione, but Hermione was also standing next to Ginny. The Hermione standing next to Ginny was somewhat silver, and almost translucent.

"This is orbing," the standing Hermione, explained. "I can't do it for very long yet, but I'm working my way up to more time."

"Wow, that is so cool, how did you learn to do that? Is it some kind of dark magic? I've never heard of it before." Ginny was dumbstruck.

"Viktor taught it to me. He can orb for two and a half hours, and I don't think it is dark magic, although it is odd that I've never heard of it," Hermione said thoughtfully.

"Oh. Hermione?" said Ginny quizzically, "You're in love with Harry?" They had both been avoiding the subject for quite some time.

***

Charlie had been sitting at the kitchen table when he heard a quiet pop. The sound was so faint that he was surprised he had even heard it. When he turned around he saw Hermione. He wondered what she could possibly be doing in the kitchen this late at night, and how could she have snuck past him so quietly. But before he could muster a word, the same pop noise was heard again, and Hermione had disappeared with two glasses of water in her hands. He thought this was odd, seeing as she couldn't apparate and it didn't look like her, exactly. There was something different about her- as if she were only a projected image. But projected images couldn't hold solid objects. By this point, Charlie was completely confused. He was about to go up the stairs to Hermione's room, when he saw a bright green light out of the corner of his eye.

Charlie had seen Harry bring this object downstairs, but before he had a chance to ask Harry about it, Harry had disappeared. Charlie slowly went over to the couch to see what was going on, but when he picked up the mirror, something sharp stabbed him. It was the snake's fang from the handle of the mirror. When Charlie looked in the mirror he was surprised to see a girl. She had long black hair and a snotty look on her face.

"Who are you?" she said with a mean look.

"I'm Charlie. Who are you?" Charlie said, almost in shock. Cho waved away his question.

"That isn't important. I need to talk to Harry; is he around?"

"Um, he went to bed a while ago. Do you want me to go wake him up?" Charlie said, thinking that if she was using this mirror that it was probably important.

"Yes, thank you," Cho said, not looking the least bit grateful.

* * *

"I'm in love with Harry. That's why I came home from Bulgaria. I just didn't think I should be there, leading Viktor on, and it was weird being with Viktor and thinking of Harry all of the time. Ginny, I don't know what to do," Hermione said, distressed.

"Wow, you really are in love with him," Ginny smiled. "I used to think I was in love with him but now that I'm with Colin I know that I just liked him a lot."

"Are you in love with Colin?" Hermione sputtered.

"No, but I feel the same way about him as I felt for Harry all those years and I know I can feel so much more towards him. He really is one of the greatest people I know," Ginny said, blushing as she realized how much she had revealed about herself.

"Okay... well, what am I supposed to do? I'm in love with one of my best friends and he doesn't know it. I'm willing to bet all my books that he is in love with Cho and she is so much better than me," Hermione said sadly.

"She is NOT better than you," Ginny said emphatically. "You know what?"

"What?" Hermione replied gloomily.

"I really don't like her. Sure, she was nice to Harry last year- especially the way she said no when he asked her to the ball- but there is something about her that gives me the creeps. It kind of reminds me of my first year," Ginny shuddered at the memory.

It was odd for Hermione to hear this as no one had ever heard Ginny talk about when she had been taken into the Chamber of Secrets.

"Why is that?" Hermione was curious.

"I don't know, but when I'm around her for too long, I start to feel like I did when I was confused and wondering if I was actually the one who was doing all the attacking," Ginny said slowly, sorting it out as she went.

"That's really weird, but that doesn't make me better than her, just because you feel better when I'm around you," Hermione said. Ginny could hear the anger in her voice, and it was something that Ginny had never seen in Hermione before.

"No, but I think you are better than her and I bet Harry does too. He might be slightly blind to it right now because they are together but I promise you that someday he will see that you are in fact a better person than her."

"Thanks Ginny," Hermione sighed. She just hoped that "someday" was rather sooner than later. Hermione got up and left Ginny's room to go to her own. She climbed into bed, and was asleep the moment her head touched the pillow.

When Hermione woke up she looked down, and saw that she was covered in sweat. She had had a dream, she didn't remember what it was but she knew it wasn't a nightmare, and she wasn't scared, yet she was sweating. What was it about that dream that had made her so nervous? Or scared? She pondered her thoughts as she lay back down, trying to get some sleep before daylight came. It was hard for her to fall back asleep--her mind was buzzing with so many questions.

* * *

Harry woke up to a knock on the door. He was sleeping in Ron's room like he normally did and the twins were in there as well. Since he was next to the door, he was the only one awakened by the knock.

"Harry? It's me, Charlie. There's someone in a mirror for you." Charlie swallowed a laugh, thinking about how strange his last words had sounded.

Harry jumped out of bed, grabbed the mirror and, mumbled a thank you to Charlie, and then he shut the door in his face before he could ask any questions. He sat quietly on his bed, making sure he wasn't too loud--he didn't want to wake the other boys. He also knew that if he went outside Charlie would be there.

"Hullo, Cho. What are you doing calling so late?" Harry asked curiously.

"I missed you." Somehow Harry didn't believe her. "And I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Can't it wait until tomorrow? I'm really beat and it's past midnight, for Merlin's sake."

"I know, but it's urgent!!" She had never wanted to talk to him so bad before-- either it was something bad, or there was something she wasn't telling him. "It's Hermione." Cho said the name as if she despised it more than anything in the world. "At Madame Malkin's dress shop she said the most terrible things to me. It took everything I had not to break down it tears!" Cho said this is in a whiney tone that she took on whenever she wanted Harry wrapped around her finger.

"I'm so sorry for you, darling. Tomorrow morning I'll bring this up with her, and I promise you that she won't attempt it again, unless she'd like to deal with me."

Charlie withdrew his ear from against the door. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. Surely Harry didn't want to threaten Hermione in that way? How could Harry believe this girl? Charlie decided he would talk to Ron in the morning and get the inside scoop on Harry's so-called girlfriend.

***

Hermione had gotten barely any more sleep in the rest of the night, and as the sun rose, she decided to go downstairs and have some coffee. She was surprised to find that she was not the only one who had awakened early. When she got to the kitchen she found Harry and Ron sitting at the table, enjoying their own conversation. When she walked in they suddenly stopped what they were saying and looked awkwardly around the room. Hermione noticed this but decided not to say anything. As she started to get her coffee, Charlie came in the room looking quite tired, from her lack of sleep.

"Ron, I need to talk to you," Charlie yawned.

"Um, alright," yawned Ron.

"Good," Harry said at the same time.

"What's good?" Hermione asked, as Ron left the room with Charlie.

"Well I needed to talk to you..." Harry started.

"Oh really? What about?"

"Well see, last night I talked to Cho, she was very distressed. She was upset about a meeting she had had with you at some dress shop. I don't understand why you were so disrespectful to her. From what I heard you said some mean things, and I'm wondering why you would do that. You're never hurtful intentionally. I was really surprised to hear that," Harry rattled off without meeting Hermione's eyes.

"I'm sorry Harry, I knew I was being mean but--well, I didn't want to be mean. I was just having a terrible day to top off some other very bad days and I wasn't thinking clearly. I'm so sorry that I did what I did. I don't know if you understand where I'm coming from but I am truly sorry. Oh, Harry I hope you will forgive me...?" Hermione said apologetically.

"It's okay-- I was just so surprised that you said those things. I never expected you to be like that," Harry said.

"I know, I'm sorry. I just wasn't being myself. I'm really sorry," Hermione croaked, trying to hold back tears.

"Why haven't you been yourself lately? Ron told me about how you just showed up here and haven't really talked to anyone since you got here. Hermione, you can tell me about whatever happened in Bulgaria! It's good for you to get your feelings out. Did he hurt you? Because if he did, he's gonna to get it."

"No, he didn't hurt me... but thank you for your consideration it is a nice jester. And I know that I can tell you anything but this is different and I just need some time," Hermione said hesitantly.

"I don't understand what's so different, but I want you to know that Ron and I are your best friends and you can tell us anything. We'll always be here for you. I promise," Harry said solemnly.

"I know you guys are my best friends, and that is so great that I can trust you to always be there. But Harry, you just can't understand, okay?" Hermione said tearfully. The tone in her voice said that the conversation was over.

At that moment, Ron and Charlie walked back into the kitchen. Charlie sat down and within five minutes he was asleep on the table. Harry, Ron, and Hermione laughed and made fun of him. It seemed like old times until Ginny walked in. Hermione stopped giggling and excused herself from the table.

"Harry I need to talk to you, but I have an idea that there is already someone waiting to talk to you," Ron said.

"Huh?" Harry said, completely befuddled.

"Just come upstairs with me and I'll explain it all to you then, if I need to. You never know, your thick head may think of something on the walk up there." Ron muttered as he unceremoniously pulled Harry out of his chair.

Oh great, Ginny thought. I get to sit here by myself and watch my brother sleep.

***

Ron and Harry walked up the stairs and entered Ron's room. As they walked into the room Harry figured out exactly what Ron meant; he had completely forgotten about his morning talk with Cho. Harry rarely forgot, but he realized that when he was around the Dursleys he needed an outlet. Now that he was with the Weasleys, he didn't need to talk to Cho as often.

The mirror was illuminated and when Harry got to it, Cho was there with a very annoyed look on her face.

"Hey Ron, could you give us some privacy? We'll talk about whatever you needed to talk to me about when I'm done, just give me a couple minutes."

"Okay," Ron replied as he got up to leave. "Make sure you tell her about your birthday party."

"Hey sweetie, I'm sorry that I kept you waiting. I lost track of time," Harry said in a sweet voice that no one apart from Cho could hear.

"It's fine, did you talk to Hermione yet?" Cho asked forcefully.

"Yeah I did, she's really sorry that she said those things. I'm sorry too. How did you sleep?" Harry inquired.

"Fine." Cho answered shortly.

"Okay... well, the Weasleys are going to throw me a birthday party. I was wondering if you would come," Harry said boldly.

"Well, Harry, I don't know. I'd have to talk Daddy into it. He really doesn't like Ron's dad. He thinks Mr. Weasley likes muggles too much. I don't know if I'll be able to make it but I'll try," Cho said unenthusiastically. Harry's heart leaped. He was thrilled that Cho was going to try.

"Oh, and by the way, I got a dress for the ball. Its blue," Cho added.

"Blue?" Harry said, surprised. It was the first time in the conversation that he had not spoken in his sweet voice.

"Yes. Don't like blue? I thought that was one of your favorite colors. Are you disappointed?" Cho asked, surprised.

"No, no it's fine, don't worry. I'm sorry for my reaction, I was just thinking it would be purple for some reason," Harry said, confused.

"I can get a purple dress if you want me to." Cho said hesitantly.

"No, no, I'm sure you will look beautiful in blue." Harry reassured her.

"Thanks." Cho looked slightly happier. "Harry, I'm going to go talk to my dad about your birthday before he goes to work. I'll talk to you later tonight."

* * *

Hermione was sitting in her room wondering how she could have a normal relationship with Harry. She really needed to talk to someone. Normally if she had a problem she would talk about it with Ron and Harry, but now it had to do with Harry. She knew she could still go to Ron, but she didn't want to tie him up in the middle. Just as she had decided what to do, there was a knock on her door.

"Hey, can I come in?" It was Ron.

"Yeah, sure," Hermione replied.

"What's wrong with you?" Ron blurted out. "You're so distant and weird lately..."

"Ron..." Hermione started.

"Sorry, sorry... I just wanted to come and make sure you were all right," Ron interrupted. "You don't seem like yourself lately and I just wanted to make sure that you were doing okay."

"Well thanks for your concern Ron, but I'm doing fine," Hermione said somewhat sarcastically. Ron didn't hear the sarcasm.

"Okay, well...Hermione if you ever need anyone, I'll always be there for you day or night, and so will Harry," Ron said emphatically.

"I know, Ron," Hermione said as she fought back tears. She didn't know why she started crying, she wished she could control her emotions, but she couldn't anymore for some reason. "Thank you so much, you're both so great." She said.

Ron moved awkwardly over to her and she grabbed him and clung to his shoulder, still crying. Ron figured that this was what Hermione needed to do, and he was happy he could help. Hermione was very mad that she started crying like this, she didn't know what had come over her she just started crying. Hermione had never been like this; she didn't know what was going on. She knew she had been stressed out but she wasn't sure why she had just broken down like that.

* * *

Harry had already searched downstairs and in a few other rooms for Ron. He decided that he would probably be with Hermione in her room. Harry knocked on the door but no one answered. Just as he was about to leave, he heard something in the room and decided that he was going to go see what it was. He opened the door a tiny bit to see Hermione hugging Ron with her head on his shoulder. When Harry walked in she picked up her head and wiped her eyes.

Harry didn't know what to think. At first, he felt oddly jealous, and then sympathetic. Hermione was obviously bothered by something, and whatever it was it wasn't good. Harry felt bad for her but he wanted to be the one who was consoling her.

"Is there anything I can do for you guys?" He asked awkwardly. He felt that had to say something.

"No, I'm sorry Ron. I just got carried away," Hermione said as she sniffled.

"Don't be sorry, you're just venting. That's what you need to do," Ron said.

"Thank you for staying with me, but I really need to be alone right now," Hermione said.

"I don't think that's such a good idea," Harry answered for Ron.

"That's fine," Hermione said.

Ron went to get Ginny and Harry watched Hermione in silence. He was really worried about her. He knew something had been wrong but he had never seen her so upset. When Ron and Ginny came in, Ginny ran to Hermione and told the boys in no uncertain terms to leave.

Harry and Ron went back to Ron's room. When they got in they sat on their beds in silence. Ron was the first to speak.

"I've never seen her like that. What do you think could have happened to make her so different?" Ron wondered aloud to Harry.

"I don't know, something makes me think that she's more afraid then worried,"

Harry answered him. "Did she say anything before she started crying?"

"No, I just told her that whatever was wrong she could talk to us if she needed to. She said that she knew that, but she also seemed very touched that we cared so much about her. Then she just started crying so I went to give her a hug, but she just put her head on my shoulder and cried. It was kind of weird. I didn't know what to do, but I hope that whatever I did helped," Ron replied.

"That's good." Harry was relieved that someone could comfort Hermione. "Ron, you said you needed to talk to me?"

"Yeah," Ron answered. "Harry, it's about Cho."