The Loss of Powers

The next day, Hermione woke up, and slowly began getting dressed. She was worried about what would happen the next day. Today was another day off and she wanted to get a reply from her mother, so she might know what was going on. Though she wasn't sure why her mum would know what was going on, she just knew deep down that she would.
After getting the grogginess out of her eyes, she realized she had a visitor at the window, and went over to open it up. It was Hedwig! She was so excited she had trouble with the latch to let the poor owl in, and when it finally came in she held her arm out without any gloves, not minding any marks the owl might leave. When she finally got the owl to land on her unprotected arm, which the owl didn't appear to want to do, she took the note away from the owl, then told it to go to the owlery where she will come later and give it a treat.
She looked at the note trembling, then went to sit down on her bed, when she realized how bloody her arm was. She then got a towel to wrap around it, went and sat down on her bed, and got the note out. She unfolded it and started to scan over the letter.


Down stairs, the boys were sitting on the couch waiting to hear from Hermione to see if she had gotten any of her power back, or if anything happened. They were starting to get worried, because she was normally down before them, but breakfast was almost over, and she still wasn't down.
"Ron, you might as well go get some food. I can stay here and wait for her."
"Oh, now don't you go trying to be some hero now, I can stand not eating breakfast one day." Ron said jokingly.
As they sat there, they became more and more anxious to hear from Hermione. When some of the people that stay in the same room as her came down, they asked if they knew what was keeping Hermione.
"Well, she has been in her bed for awhile, though we can't tell what she is doing up there. She just seems to be laying in bed doing something."
This worried the boys. They looked at each other and started to worry about her.
"Harry, did you sleep at all last night?" Ron asked noticing Harry's blood shot eyes.
"No, not much. I'm too worried about Hermione." Harry's answered. It was true too; he couldn't imagine life without Hermione. He stayed up all night wondering if he could at all get her to stay, but from all directions it looked hopeless. Sure he had a few connections and influences just cause he was the boy-that-lived, but he didn't think that would get him too far.
"Well, here, you lay down on the couch and sleep for a bit, and I'll wake you up when Hermione comes down."
"No, I'll wait. Why don't we play some chess for a while?"
"You are volunteering to play chess? You must be tired, but I'll accept; if for nothing else then to pass the time."
After a game where Harry didn't even stand a chance, Hermione finally appeared in the common room. She ran over to where they were, and gave Ron a small hug, and ran over to the very sleepy Harry and gave him a big hug.
"You seem excited this morning." Harry managed to get out between yawns.
"Yes, I got a letter from my mother about what was going on."
"Really? Was there that good of news in it?" Ron asked.
"Oh yes, my mother was a witch when she was my age, and she had the same problem."
"This is a good thing?" Harry thought out loud.
"It is when you consider they found a way around it."
"So your mother is a witch?" Ron asked shocked.
"Well, no not right now. You see, what they did was a person volunteered some of their magical power to the person who lost theirs. My mum and your mum, Harry, were very good friends, and she volunteered, so up to the point where your mother died, she could use magic. That's why I've always thought she was a muggle, because she couldn't use magic for as long as I could remember."
"Really? So did your mother remember the spell, or where to get it?"
"All she said, was that I would need to talk to Dumbledore and he would be able to get me what I needed."
"So, what are we waiting for? Let's go visit him!" Harry said excited.
"Ok." Hermione replied and they left the room.


At the entrance to Dumbledore's room, Hermione turned around and told Ron that her and Harry would like to be left alone for awhile. Ron looked at Harry questioningly and all Harry could do was shrug and Ron nodded and watched as they went up the stairs together.
Harry turned to Hermione and asked her, "What was that about?"
"This is something I need to ask you. Would you be the one to use the spell, sharing your power with me?"
"You know I will."
"I must tell you something, the caster and the person it is casted on will both experience some side effects. Namely, the casters power will be reduced, and will never regain them unless the spell is canceled by both ends or... one of them dies." she said this slightly shuddering knowing that was a very real possibility with Harry considering how much danger he gets in.
"If that is all it takes to keep you here by me, then I'll do it."
Hermione blushed slightly at this comment. "There is something else you should know about. The spell not only shares magical power, but also sets up a connection between the two, One that will last the rest of their lives. This means, well, I'm sure you realize this."
"Basically, this is like getting married, huh?"
"Well, in a way, though in certain ways, more intimate than others."
"Right, I'll do it."
"I'll understand if you want to think it over." Hermione began.
"No, you don't understand, I would do anything to keep you here. If it means this connection will occur, then so be it. Though I am curious, what's the connection like?"
"Well, apparently it varies per group. Most people gain telepathy, while others telekinesis, or other things like that."
"Ah, I see" Harry says while putting his arm around the small of Hermione's back, and heading up towards the Dumbledore's door.
Upon arriving at the ancient door Dumbledore has a gargoyle and a password, Harry pushed the door opened and let Hermione go in, and closed the door behind her, letting her and Dumbledore talk alone.
"I'm glad you came too see me, Hermione. Here is the slip you need to look in the forbidden section of the library. I hope you can get your powers back soon. If you need to take a few days off, I will be more then glad to give you permission. Also, after the spell is performed, you and Harry will be expected to tell us about any and all side effects." Said Dumbledore, perfunctorily.
"How did you know what I was needing too see you for, and who I was going too choose?" Hermione replied in shock.
"You would be amazed at how much I know about the goings on in the school. Now, hurry on down to the library. I'm sure you will regain your powers soon."
Hermione just nodded and took the slip and went out of the room where Harry was waiting for her.
"Well, did you get it?" he asked.
"Yes, He is expecting to find out any side effects that might occur from the spell. Oh, and Harry?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks" she said as she gave him a soft kiss on the cheek.
"You're welcome," Harry replied fighting a blush, "now let's go before Ron gets suspicious."
"Oh, that's right. How will Ron take all of this?"
"Well, I figure we tell him as soon as we see him. Better to tell him so he can get it worked out then to go about it secretly."
"Yes, your right. Well, what to do after that?"
"Well, I'm thinking we go see if we can get any food. After that I would go with you guys to the library but I was up all night long, so I think I might go and catch up on my sleep knowing you will be fine."
"Yes, thank you Harry."
"No problem"
"I just hope that it doesn't prove too much for us."
"After all we've gone through? I certainly hope not."
"So do I, so do I."


Emerging out in the sunshine made them pause while their eyes adjusted, but when they were back to normal they saw Ron sitting there waiting for them under the shade of a nearby tree. They went over to him, and Harry sat down across from Ron and Hermione sat rather closely to Harry. Ron noticed this and realized that something happened and that he no longer had a chance with Hermione. "Ok, you knew this was going to happen, just remember, this is your best friend, and you didn't tell him anything about it, so he didn't know." Ron told himself slightly angry, though managing to keep his anger under control and he put up a happy face for them too see, though Hermione saw right through it.
"So, did you find out what you needed?" Ron asked keeping the anger out of his voice.
"Yes, we got permission to go to the library to look up the books. Harry won't be joining us for now, because he's tired and all, so it will be just us," Hermione replied looking at Ron for any sign of what he was thinking.
"Ok, how about we go get something too eat first?" Ron replied.
Harry agreed to this right away, and the group went to the kitchen. Breakfast was over, and it was nearing lunchtime, but they got into the kitchen where the house elves were happy to help them. After they had their breakfast, Harry said good luck, and headed off for bed, knowing that Hermione would regain her powers and he could sleep well. Also, what was on his chest had been lifted, and he could now be sure of what he felt. Ron on the other hand wasn't so glad for the truth to come out. He now realized that he must find a girl. His best friends had finally found each other. "Took them long enough" he thought. He now was the only one without a person to turn to. This was depressing news for him.
Hermione on the other hand was glad to know that she would be regaining her powers, and that Harry felt the same way back. Though, first she must talk to Ron in the library. Harry had no idea what good luck his staying up all night was. He needed the sleep, but now she would be able to talk to Ron without worrying about what Harry was thinking about at the time.
In the Library, she went over to the librarian , handed her the slip, and proceeded to go to the restricted area. She pulled down some of the books that looked somewhat promising, made Ron hold them, and went and found a table.
"Ron," Hermione began cautiously, "about me and Harry."
"Look, that's ok, I heard him speaking last night about you, I realized then that you and him were... well, made to be."
At this Hermione just looked at him. "The spell will put a new spin on our relationship."
"Oh? In what way?"
"Well, chances are we will be telepathic and there are many other things that might occur."
"Really, huh? So, Harry might be able to tell me who likes me, right?"
"Ron, you should have just asked me. Just because I don't spread gossip with those girls, doesn't mean I don't listen. Especially when your or Harry's name comes up."
"Really? So, who has fallen for my incredible charm this time?"
"As far as I can tell, no one. Though I'll do some asking around for you."
At this Ron looked sort of sad. "How long till I know?"
"Well, if you help me get this done, I'll be able to help you sooner. It won't do you any good if you have a friend who will listen into the gossip for you if they are no longer near the source."
"Oh, right, ok lets start searching."
And with that, they start looking through the many books on the table. After much researching, and looking they decided it was time to go get something to eat. When they entered the Great Hall, they saw Harry sitting at the Gryffindor table. They went over and sat next to him, Hermione sitting between the two guys, though she was closer to Harry who put his left arm around her waist.
"So did you guys find anything out?" Harry asked Ron and Hermione.
"Nope, not really, just narrowed the search from a thousand to a nine hundred and eighty five. Though we got some other work done that was necessary." Ron replied
At this Harry only nodded and gave Hermione a small squeeze. "So you guys going to keep on looking today I'm assuming."
"Of course we are, Harry." Hermione replied.
"Yes, yes, but this time I'll come along and help you guys in the search."
"You better, I need a break from all the reading," Ron yawned, "You weren't the only one to not get much sleep, I'll go and sleep this time while I let you two do some research or what ever you feel you need to do."
Hermione glared at Ron at this, but Harry gave her a slight squeeze and she turned back to her food to finish up with her lunch.
After Ron excused himself to go to bed, Harry turned to Hermione and asked, "How did he take it?"
"Surprisingly well. He said he heard you say something last night that made him realize that we would become a couple."
"He was still awake?" Harry though aloud. "Hmm....does that mean he heard...." At this point Harry realized he was talking and quickly shut up. Although Hermione caught it, she didn't ask.
Back in the library, they sat down and started working. After a while of reading through a promising section of a book, Harry's eyes started to light up.
"Hermione, does this sound like something that might be it?" he asked as he slid the book over to Hermione to look at, while keeping the page marked.
After reading through it she looked up excitedly. "This might just be it, lets see, what does it say about the spell." Hermione started reading as Harry slid behind her, holding her shoulders, reading over her head. "Hmm.... the bases of the spell sounds right, and the warning sounds similar to it, maybe we should show this to Dumbledore and see if he thinks it's the right one."
She picked up the book, made sure she had the page marked, went and checked it out, and headed for Dumbledore's room. "I'm going to go get Ron, I'm sure he will want to know." Harry said as he hurried off to get him.
Hermione stepped into Dumbledore's office, and looked around too see if he was home. "Hello Hermione, do you think you have found the spell?" he said from his desk.
"Well, we believe we might have found it, would you possibly...."
"Look at it and see if I think that it is the correct one. Yes, I believe I could do that." At this, Hermione gave Dumbledore the book, and showed him where it was and sat somewhat impatiently as he read it through.
"Hmm, yes, this does sound like the spell we found many years ago for your mother. Yes, this might be the correct spell. You do realize that the one that is giving you their power will lose some, and the two will be forever linked. Commonly a psychic connection will exist between the two, and other things might occur from it."
"Yes, both Harry and me know the risks."
"Good, well, I will give you a pass to use one of the empty rooms tonight, as I'm sure you two will want to get this done with as soon as possible. I will be there, as will Ron I'm sure, a few of the teachers will be there as well as the nurse. If anything is to go wrong, we will try everything we can to make sure you children come out of it alive."
"Thank you." Hermione said as she gathered her things. She started thinking, 'Tonight it is. I will regain my powers, and me and Harry....' she blushed as the though crossed her mind. "Well, thank you Dumbledore, I'll go make sure it's fine with Harry, and I'll tell you as soon as I can."
"No need, I'm sure he will be ready to do it." Dumbledore replied with a knowing smile. "I shall see you three there tonight."
After Hermione left the room, and went out of the hallway into the light, she looked around for Ron and Harry and saw them running towards her.
"So? What's up?" Ron asked, because Harry hadn't told him yet.
"Well, we have found the spell, and Dumbledore would like to have us use it tonight. He will let us use an empty class room. Some teachers and the nurse will be there, just in case; and you're invited too Ron." she remarked with a glimmer in her eyes that hinted at joking.
"Really? It's the right spell?" Harry said excitedly.
"Well, most likely, it is." Hermione said. "So, you better enjoy this last few moments of being able to think without worrying about someone else hearing you."
"Pardon?" Harry said, "So this psychic thing will happen as a certainty?"
"Most likely, yes. Why? Does this change your mind?" she said, getting slightly sad to think it would change his mind.
"No, I'm just sort of worried about exposing you to all the thoughts that go through my mind." he said smiling.
"So, you finally admit to hitting puberty" Ron said sarcastically.
Harry just looked at Ron and sighed. "Well, now that we know what we will be doing tonight, what shall we do for the rest of the day?" Harry asked.
"How about what we normally do?" Hermione replied.
"Study and work on our papers?" Ron said jokingly.
"Well, maybe I'll join you guys in goofing off for once." Hermione replied with a smile.
"Well, anyone want to go flying?" Harry asked hopefully.
"Sure I will, but I'm sure I'm not the one you wanted to get a yes from" Ron replied.
"Well.... Sure, I'll go, but I don't trust myself alone on a broom yet." Hermione said.
"That's okay, I'm sure Harry here, will either teach you or let you ride on his broom too." Ron said not really thinking before he said how bad that sounded.
"Um, right I'll teach you Hermione." Harry said slightly blushing at Ron's comment.
And with that, they headed off to the field to fly around some, and have fun as they got more and more excited about the coming night.