Was and Will Be

CHAPTER V

Before it's Too Late

There's no sense in telling me

The wisdom of a fool won't set you free

But that's the way that it goes

And it's what nobody knows

And everyday my confusion grows

Every time I see you falling

I get down on my knees and pray

I'm waiting for the final moment

.- Bizarre love triangle (Frente)

Part One - With daylight came darkness

School year had had to be called off early this year. Kids were sent to their homes for there was one less professor and the once beautiful Natural's Forest had become home of dangerous and even deadly creatures... it had become a Forbidden Forest.

Now they were alone in the castle with an unconscious Slytherin and very distressed friends. There had to be done something about this symbio; and about that power.

'What do we do now?' Rowena asked, losing hope.

Godric sighed and shook his head, his gaze idle somewhere in the floor of the Headmasters' office. 'I have no idea; I'm as lost as you.' He looked up and his eyes seemed much older than his thirty two years old; this was destroying him.

Rowena came to him and put her arms around her fiancée. 'We'll find a way dear...' she almost whispered, but somehow it was empty.

Helga came in. 'He's awake. Weak, but still himself,' she told her friends.

Godric pulled away and hurried to Salazar's Chambers, followed closely by Rowena and Helga. He entered and saw his friend sitting back, leaning on some pillows on his huge four-poster bed.

When he entered, he had never been so happy to see him. 'Hey mate! Glad you came round'

Salazar looked up at Godric and hmphed.

He came closer, his smile fading. 'You know I had to do it...'

Salazar sagged and nodded. 'Yes, I know. Thank you, I guess'

Rowena sat on the edge of his bed and placed a kiss on his cheek. 'I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad to have your annoying self again,' she said gently.

Salazar smiled at her and then glanced up at his three friends. 'Thank you fellows, for being there. Even though you all would just like to sack me, wouldn't you?'

Helga flinched and closed her eyes. 'Salazar, you don't mean that,' she said softly.

'Like hell I don't!'

'That's enough!' Rowena snapped and put her hand on his shoulder.

Salazar shook his head and looked at Helga, a really sorry expression on his face. 'I'm so sorry. You know I don't mean that'

Helga swallowed and nodded. 'I know,' she said and came to his bed, sitting on the other edge. 'I know'

***

Harry stayed at the Burrow after school was over. He was supposed to choose between Grimmauld Place and the Dursleys, but he didn't feel able to make any decisions right now.

It was dinner time and all the Weasley Family was there... all except for Ron. Some part of Harry wanted them to hate him, but a bigger part would be eternally grateful on how they were treating him. Ginny realized all this and tried to be there for Harry as much as she could, given the situation.

They all sat at the big table in the middle of the enormous kitchen, Harry stood for a moment on the doorframe, staring at them. Ginny came up and took his hand, leading him to the table. He followed idly.

They were about to finish the main course when a soft crack was heard from the living room. Harry tensed for a moment and then relaxed when he realized it was Dumbledore. He was looking weary but his sparkling blue eyes were smiling.

'Dumbledore! What are you doing? Is everything all right?' Mr. Weasley asked, a little scared of what the answer might be.

He came up with a smile and Mr. Weasley relaxed. 'No, Arthur. Fortunately everything is calm right now. I came here to take Harry to the Headquarters. I wish I wouldn't interrupt dinner but this is important.' He dropped a wink at him and Arthur seemed to recognise the hint, for he was beaming and he directed a proud look at Harry.

Harry could've sworn he also saw a deep sorrow flash past his dark blue eyes as he looked at him with pride. He wondered why that would be.

'Wouldn't you like a cup of tea before you leave?' Mrs. Weasley asked, obviously beyond Dumbledore and Mr. Weasley's understanding.

Dumbledore shook his head. 'It's going to have to be in another occasion, Molly dear. Right now I need young Harry'

Harry stood and excused himself, taking his plate to the sink. He could've easily done it with magic in a quarter second, but he didn't want to use magic unless it was absolutely necessary.

Ginny stood after him and started to make her way towards Dumbledore too, but he stopped her.

'Miss Weasley, I'm afraid you can't come'

Ginny flinched, bewildered and she glanced at Harry, who was looking as surprised as her. She opened her mouth to argue but Dumbledore was still her Headmaster and the final look in his eyes told her not to say a word.

Harry came to her and kissed her lightly. 'I'll be back soon,' he said softly and kissed her again, giving her a reassuring smile. He walked to where Dumbledore was. 'Headmaster, is there any way you can summon a portkey?' he asked truthfully.

Dumbledore gave him a smile. 'Don't let the past get in front of you Harry,' he simply said and Harry sighed. They both apparated to Grimmauld Place and stood between number eleven and number thirteen.

Harry sighed at the sight of his godfather's house and thought, The Headquarters to the Order of the Phoenix is in Number twelve, Grimmauld Place. A big house appeared in front of him, magically pushing aside the other two. He opened the door and tiptoed through the Entrance Hall. Most of the paintings had been taken down since he had come last, but Sirius' mother's was still there, behind the drapes. Harry wondered why they had been so keen on keeping her there with a permanent sticking charm.

He followed Dumbledore to the second story of the house; to the small Hall. Harry always thought that must've been like discotheque's VIP zones. Up there were most of the regular members of the order. Tonks, Kingsley, Moody, Remus (who was looking so proud, you could swear he was about to cry)... even Professor McGonnagall and Snape were there, and soon Mr. Weasley joined them. They were all chatting in a circle and to Harry's surprise; Hermione and Neville were also there. They looked up and smiled nervously at Harry as he approached with a puzzled expression. Somehow, he had the idea that they were as confused as he was.

***

'It's taking over, and we can't do anything about it!'

'I've heard him talk... in his sleep. Always about the ultimate power," Helga thought out loud.

Rowena's brow furrowed for a moment, trying to put things together. She gasped and looked up at her two friends, utterly terrified. They fixed her puzzled and worried expressions. 'Oh my goodness! I think I know what it's that the symbio and part of Salazar want!'

Godric came up to her, his eyes wide 'What is it honey?'

'Remember our last battle? Dementors came and they almost kissed me. I was going to die, but something came over him and he saved me. He seemed utterly taken by this power. I believe he told you'

Godric nodded. 'Yes, I do remember. Do you reckon-?' He didn't need to finish.

'The Power of Shikeon!' Helga gasped.

Godric eyes widened even more if that was possible. 'You have any idea what consequences that could bring?'

'The balance of the world would be completely wrecked. Ups become downs. North becomes south. And doom will be upon us...' Rowena recalled idly, staring at some point near the windowsill.

'We have to get that being out of him. It just relieves him of any responsibility or consciousness of his acts he might have,' Helga said urgently.

'You saw what happened when we tried extirpating it!'

'But what do we do then!' Godric cried, throwing his hands to the air.

Helga sighed and closed her eyes. 'There is one more thing that we can try. It is very unlikely, but it has happened... '

'Tell us Helga! Please!' her friend cried.

She turned to Rowena, her green eyes sparkling with the knowledge of the imminent. 'It can be deadly, must be used as a last resource,' she said seriously.

'I think we've come over the limit of our last resources,' Godric interjected.

Helga sighed and raised her eyes to his. 'We must talk him into doing it himself. If it's in an advanced stage of taking over his body, it can kill him'

Rowena came up. 'He's a Warlock, therefore it should be a little less dangerous; don't you reckon?'

'I'll do it. I'm not going to lose my best friend'

Helga closed her eyes, tears fighting to come. Rowena looked at her best friend and put her arms around her, resting her head on hers.

Godric took this silence as a tacit agreement for him to do it. He walked out of the room, to Salazar's Chambers.

***

The old Malfoy Manor was beautifully decorated. In the time Lucius had been in Azkaban, the building had become warmer and fuller of life. Draco had found this rather annoying, but seeing his mother so radiant and lively -and not submissive and almost gone as she had always been- had made it much better.

Now that Lucius was back, a part of Draco was definitely glad. But it also had meant that his mother was going back to the almost ethereal state she always was in. He had big dilemmas within himself regarding all these feelings he had never had before, at least not that he noticed. But obviously, "a Malfoy never shows himself to the others. You never know who is your enemy and could use that against you"

He was wearing his graduation outfit. The Hogwarts Graduation Robes were very elegant in their simplicity. They were all black; pretty much like muggle graduation robes; only the Head Boy and Girl got to use different ones. The speciality about these robes was the kind of black they were; it was a silky-shiny kind of black. One that yelled to the entire world "I've just got a huge honour invested in me! Look at me!"

What differenced each house was the strip that hung from each student's shoulders, all the way to the waist and they were the representative colour of the house. The material was as shiny as the one in the robes and they went perfectly with the whole aura they were trying to project. However, "A Malfoy's robes can't be like the ones everyone has." Draco's Graduation robes had been made especially for him; they hugged his body lines in a virile, yet model-like fashion. He had hung his cape from his shoulders for tonight's party; it was hooked at the top of his chest by the Malfoy Family Crest. He easily looked as a fallen angel; the black of the robes contrasted with his fair and pale skin, while the green of the strip gave his grey eyes a green reflect.

The reunion was packed by all of Lucius' fellow Death Eaters, plus some other members of the Malfoy family and of Narcissa's (relatives of the Black line, which was now extinct). Draco was greeted here and there; when he finally got to the group of fellow former Slytherins, he was beaming a superior smile; like a lion in its own lands.

Hermione hadn't been able to come. Draco was supposed to pick her up at nine; but at six, he had gotten an Express Owl saying she had been called urgently to the Headquarters (she didn't say where it was) and that she wouldn't be able to come. This had annoyed Draco, but some part of him understood they had different inclinations. It was almost hilarious how a future Death Eater and probably a future Auror were together and had such a good time. Of course that was whenever they were talking about anything but-.

Dinner was served. Draco sat on the main table, on the right hand of his father. All of the Death Cupola was sitting there too, along with his mother. He wasn't saying much, for his father was having conversations with his companions and he wasn't to interrupt.

After dinner was over, Lucius took his spoon and clicked it against the crystal cup to call everyone's attention. They all fell silent, all eyes resting on the main table. He stood up and looked at his son, placing a hand on his shoulder, and then his gaze fell upon the rest of the room.

'I am pleased to announce, as you know already, that my son graduated a proud Slytherin. Although he wasn't Head Boy,' he shot Draco an almost poisonous look, 'he graduated with honours." He raised his glass and drank to it, everyone imitated him.

Moments later, he re-engaged his speech. 'As most of you are aware of; throughout the last term, he has been leading a group of our youngest followers. The Junior Death Eaters.' Whispers broke the silence, Draco felt exceptionally proud. The fact that his father was actually acknowledging something he had done was amazing. Lucius cleared his throat and the whispers ended. It was remarkable how much power he had within the Death Eater lines; Draco wondered if he would ever fill his shoes... or if he even wanted to. It didn't matter right now.

He was drawn back from his thoughts when he heard his name. '...therefore I'm swollen with pride...' His voice was flat, he sounded anything but swollen with pride. '...when I say that The Dark Lord has decided to give him the honour of joining our ranks as soon as he turns eighteen. A toast to this decision and to Draco's future!' He raised his glass again and everyone mimicked. They all drank to Draco.

***

As they waited, Harry suddenly felt a jolt of pride inside him and he grinned widely, my father is proud of me. Hermione looked at him quizzically.

'Why are you so happy?'

Harry was brought back to reality. 'Huh? Me? Uh... nothing, I think...' he said, sounding unconvinced.

She frowned and shrugged, then turned to Neville. 'You can relax Neville, I don't reckon this can be a bad thing,' she said sympathetically.

He turned to her and managed a weak smile. 'Yeah, sure,' he just said.

The grown ups stopped talking and turned to Harry, Hermione and Neville. They were all standing across from them; apparently in some kind of hierarchical order, for Dumbledore was standing in the centre, Arthur flanking him on the left and Remus on the right. Then there was Kingsley, McGonnagall, Snape, Tonks and Moody; each in opposite sides. Dumbledore smiled at them with twinkling eyes; you could certainly say he was too proud of seeing Harry standing right in front of him... in one piece. He took a deep breath and started.

'This was supposed to be an initiation for four people, but unfortunately that is not going to be possible,' he said a little bitterly.

Harry automatically turned his gaze at Mr. Weasley, who looked as if he were about to cry. He had a small hint on what was coming and threw Hermione and Neville a sideways, excited look. They both returned the look.

Dumbledore continued after giving Arthur a sideway look and he nodded almost imperceptibly. 'We've- you've come through a lot. Face to face encounters with Voldemort, tasks to overcome and situations to face... As amazing as that sounds, most grown wizards haven't gone through the same as you and you have come out triumphantly and rather unharmed... in the outside,' he added to the final statement.

Mr. Weasley took the word now. 'Although you're still legally unable for the Ministry, you have proven yourselves beyond our wildest imagination...'

Lupin continued. 'And even though this ceremony hasn't been performed for over twenty years.' He directed a sly look at Harry and carried on. 'We think you have earned it'

Mr. Weasley pulled out four sheets of paper. 'I have in my hand Legal permissions, signed by your parents or guardians. Even though Mr. Potter's guardians refused to sign anything, Remus Lupin is here to acknowledge this approval in representation of Sirius Black'

Hermione looked at the fourth piece of paper and Dumbledore recognised the look. 'The fourth piece of paper belongs to Mr. Ronald Billius Weasley. He deserves this too, even though he can't be with us here,' he said before anyone could say anything else. 'The main board of members for The Order of the Phoenix are here to approve and make legal within our levels of legality.' He smiled and winked at the three kids in front of him. 'Make legal this naming'

'The Order of the Phoenix is no pleasure cruise. It is a deep commitment to build ourselves against the war that is taking place. And although you have proven yourselves more than capable of such thing, we must remind you the relevance of you becoming active members of the board of The Order.' Mr. Weasley informed seriously.

'You may have to face life and death situations, and it is not exactly going to be a laid-back life if you become members. You are completely free to walk away from here, with only a memory block to the address of the Headquarters,' Lupin added with assurance.

'So if you are willing to step fully into this, please stand up,' Dumbledore said with a gesture of his hand.

Harry's stomach was feeling funny as these words dug in. He could tell that his friends were feeling exactly the same, and he felt a pang of guilt and sorrow because Ron wasn't there with them. He stood up, and so did Hermione. Neville, however, took a little longer; he seemed to be completely lost; as if he didn't know what he was doing there.

Dumbledore realised this, and directed his sparkling blue eyes to the boy. 'Yes, Mr. Longbottom, you have earned it thoroughly. Have no doubt on it,' he said softly and Neville stood. 'Very well, shall we carry on?'

Lupin and Mr. Weasley smiled and nodded. The three of them walked first to Hermione. Dumbledore put a hand on her shoulder. 'Hermione Jane Granger, you accept to fully commit to The Order of the Phoenix in life and death. In sleep and awake. In body and mind?'

'I do Professor Dumbledore,' she replied with seriousness.

He smiled proudly. 'You're now a member of The Order of the Phoenix; from now until you exhale your last breath.'

Lupin and Mr. Weasley put their hands on Hermione's shoulder too, so three hands were resting on it. 'We're equals, we're partners, we're friends. My life is yours and you life is mine. I swear to protect you and you'll always have a helping hand in me. As I trust the same from thee.' They said in unison. 'Praxis amie,' they repeated while putting their wand tips together with Hermione's. As soon as the three had finished saying the spell, a yellow glow appeared and filled Hermione with special warmth.

They moved on to Neville. 'Neville Irving Longbottom: you accept to fully commit to The Order of the Phoenix in life and death. In sleep and awake. In body and mind?'

'I do professor Dumbledore,' he said with is eyes closed, deep understanding of the responsibility. Lupin and Mr. Weasley came to him and raised his head so he would look at them while performing the promise-spell. They put the wand tips together and said the words. The yellow glow filled Neville too.

Then they got to Harry. Dumbledore looked deep into his green eyes and smiled lightly. 'Harry James Potter, do you accept to fully commit to The Order of the Phoenix in life and death. In sleep and awake. In body and mind?'

Harry smiled back at Dumbledore and nodded. 'Yes, I do Professor Dumbledore'

Lupin and Mr. Weasley came to him and placed their hand over Dumbledore's to seal the promise-spell. They put the tip of the wands together.

Dumbledore gave Lupin and Mr. Weasley a small nod and he started; his eyes sparkled with fatherly pride. 'Praxis Amie,' he said softly.

'It's a pleasure to have you within our combat lines. Praxis Amie,' Lupin said with tears in his eyes as the spell that would bind them as long as they lived was cast. 'Lily and James would be so proud. And so is Sirius'.

'Ron will always be with you. He gave his life for you two, and I understand that. I know you would've done the same if it had been you in that situation. He'd be happy for you; he'd be proud of his best friend in the whole world. I'm honoured, and I speak for my son too.' Mr. Weasley told Harry, causing his eyes to sting. 'Praxis Amie'

'We're equals, we're partners, we're friends. My life is yours and you life is mine. I swear to protect you and you'll always have a helping hand in me. As I trust the same from thee.' The said in unison and warmth filled Harry.

After the three had been incorporated by the three heads of the Order, each one of the members of the main board passed and repeated the promise-spell in their rightful turn. Harry was particularly surprised the honesty with which Snape performed it with him and the rest, he would've expected him to be much more unpleasant about it.

***

'You have to do it yourself. We couldn't, it nearly killed you. It's turning you evil Salazar!' Godric said pleadingly to his friend, it was their only choice if they didn't want Salazar to be lost forever. Godric could feel the tumult in his friend's head, he didn't know anymore when it was Salazar speaking for himself or influenced by the Symbio.

Salazar looked deep into his friend's amber eyes and spoke in a very clam voice. 'There's no good or evil, my friend.' He stood from the table. 'There's only power.' He turned his back to his friend, his hand still resting on the table, 'and those too weak to seek it.' His fingers traced the edge of the table as he walked. He stopped and slowly turned to Godric, 'I'm not going to be the weak one anymore, Godric. I'm not.' He finished calmly, staring with a trace of fierceness that was dyed with gentle truth into his friend's eyes.

He walked out of the room, leaving an astounded-looking Godric. He just watched as the door closed behind Salazar and his hand went to his forehead, shaking his head.

***

A week had gone by, in which the three of them had been filled in with everything regarding the Order's activities. They had also been sworn secrecy to whatever they learned there. Harry had completely settled himself in Grimmauld Place; in Sirius' old room. He figured it as a kind of tribute to his godfather.

He was sitting in his bed, with the two-way mirror in front of him. 'Sirius? Are you there?' he asked.

After a few moments, a black haired man's face appeared in the rippling surface of the mirror. 'Harry! So glad to hear you!'

'Good to hear you too'

'So, what have you been up to?'

'Guess what? Remember twenty years ago, at school. You, my mum, dad, Professor Lupin and Pettigrew?'

Sirius looked puzzled for a moment and then smiled. 'Yes, so?'

'Well, we went through the same'

He stayed silent for a moment, with a small smile, and then looked down.

'Sirius? Is everything ok?'

He looked up, his hands pressing on his eyeballs. He smiled widely at his godson. 'Yes, son, I am. I am just too proud. I wish you could talk to your dad too and tell him about this. He would be so happy,' he said in a voice full of emotion.

Harry smiled lightly, a knot of sadness in his throat. He wished Sirius could hug him, and congratulate him. He wished his mum and dad were there too; to see the man he was becoming. He tried to shrug those thoughts and smiled. 'I wish you were here too,' he said softly.

Sirius changed the subject. 'So was it performed by the three heads of the order? Who was there apart from Dumbledore?'

'Yes, the whole ceremony, with the main board and all. The other two heads are Lupin and Mr. Weasley,' he said happily.

Sirius smiled with a little bitterness in the back of that stunning smile. 'That's great! And who else was initiated? I know you have to be legal for the Ministry to become a member, but seeing everything...' he trailed off.

'Hermione and Neville were there too'

'Ah, the same that were in the Department of Mysteries two years ago eh?' Sirius avoided the mention of Ron's name and Harry was glad, even though he knew that was in the back of his godfather's mind.

'Yeah, but Luna and Ginny have to at least graduate to become members'

'And are you and Hermione dating yet?'

Harry frowned. 'What do you- right, I didn't tell you.' Last time they had talked, had been the day Ron had been killed, and by then, he didn't know she and Malfoy were dating. 'No, we aren't'

'What? Don't tell me you're still in denial?'

Harry's mouth fell open. 'What are you-? Ah whatever! She's dating Malfoy'

Sirius flinched, closed his eyes and shook his head, as if verifying he had heard right. 'You mean Draco Malfoy? The Draco Malfoy? Great Merlin!'

'Tell me about it... but I'm going out with Ginny...' he added.

'Ah, the rebound girl... are you sure you want to do this to her?'

'What do you mean by rebound? She's not-' he was cut off when Mrs. Weasley called him for dinner. 'Look, I have to go,' he said a little curtly, the last thing he'd said had annoyed him a little.

Sirius hesitated. 'Uhm... sure, I'll- talk to you soon then,' he said.

'Yeah, talk to you soon. Good night Sirius'

'Good night Harry'

***

'He won't listen. He does realise what he's up against, but somehow he won't let it go... neither of them'

'Just in case, we should be doing something,' Rowena said with a resigned air.

'Don't lose hope-'

'How do you expect me to not lose hope?! The man I once loved is now almost completely possessed by some power-hungry Symbio and he won't let it go!' she almost yelled. 'I'll tell you this, when a wizard goes over to the dark side, there's nothing more. And no one matters to them anymore. That's what's becoming of Salazar, Godric! And I don't want that to happen!' She gestured wildly with her hand while speaking. Her voice broke with the last sentence.

Godric winced at these words. Although harsh, they were true. He felt her voice breaking and put his arms around her. She relaxed for a moment and then pulled away, bracing herself; her hands holding her mid-section.

'We must make something up to keep him from getting to it,' Helga poured in, trying to make things a little better, although that was almost impossible right now.

'My family's old castle may do for that matter,' Rowena offered.

'It shall do. We have enough room there,' Helga observed. They all nodded as an agreement.

'So yeah, we're moving for the holidays!' Later that day, Godric was telling Salazar.

He gave Godric an amused look and laughed. 'Ok, I guess I could use a vacation...' he said shrugging and started making his things fly to a trunk that sat on the foot of his four poster bed,

They had already apparated all the books they would need to the Ravenclaw Castle. They still hadn't told Salazar, but they would as soon as they were settled there.

***

'Hermione! You very well know I'm as welcome there as Potter in one of our meetings!'

Hermione stopped putting her things on a trunk for a moment. Sometimes she forgot who he was and what was to become of him... so willingly. She swallowed and turned around. 'I know Draco. I'm sorry, all right?'

He sagged; he had grown to know her gestures in this past month and a half. 'There you go again!' he just said, annoyed.

Hermione threw her hands to the air. 'You know? I'm sorry I am how I am. But unfortunately you're with me! All of me!' she snapped.

Draco narrowed his eyes a little at her. 'Whatever,' he muttered and started walking outside.

Hermione sighed and went after him; she put a hand on his arm. 'I'm sorry, ok?' she just said softly.

Draco stopped and turned around. 'It's ok, I'm sorry too. Just that they're pushing me... they know about us. And they obviously know you're close to Potter'

She nodded. 'Don't worry. It'll be all right once Harry-,' she stopped herself. She was going to say, "after Harry defeats Voldemort," but that was kind of a taboo subject for them. 'I'll see you soon all right? Owl me baby,' she kissed him lightly, holding her things in her hand.

Draco wrapped his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss. She relaxed and returned it, letting go off her stuff and putting her own arms around his shoulders. They stayed like that a long time.

The tension between two hormonal teenagers was felt on the environment of the Granger small house, in the outskirts of London. Hermione's hands stroked Draco's hair as she kissed him passionately.

Draco's hands traced her back; lower and lower until they reached her bottom and played around there. Hermione gasped a little at the beginning and then smiled against the kiss, her own hands going to his chest as her lips went down to Draco's neck, kissing him.

Draco groaned as she kissed him and his hands shifted to her front part, touching her breasts softly, almost timidly. Hermione moaned and giggled; her hands going to his hips, never stopping kissing him.

Reluctantly, she had to pull away. It was her parents' house after all, and besides, she was already running late for the meeting.

Draco looked at her as if he'd just been snatched a candy from his mouth. 'Hermione...' he whined

She smiled, looking flustered and almost as disappointed as him. 'Apparate safely!' she called from the fireplace at the lack of other words, and vanished in the middle of green flames. Ugh! She had been enjoying that very much indeed. This hadn't been the first time they had been "playing around", but it had been the first time she'd had to cut it so abruptly.

Although apparating couldn't be safer, she always told him to be careful and it made him smile. 'You too,' Draco muttered and dissapparated to the Malfoy Manor.

***

When Hermione arrived to Grimmauld Place, they were all waiting for them to get there. Harry was already sitting by Mr. Weasley, Neville hadn't arrived yet and apparently nor had Lupin, even though he lived there with Harry now.

She took her usual seat next to Harry and greeted him.

'All settled to move in then?'

She smiled. 'Pretty much, yes. How's life free from the Dursleys treating you?' she asked with a grin.

Harry grinned back. 'Amazing! Although I wished Ginny didn't have to stay back,' he put in.

Hermione's heart fell for a second. 'Well, it wouldn't be too nice or fair seeing how we are in the Order and can't tell her anything,' Hermione mused.

Harry shrugged. 'Guess you're right. Hullo Nev!' he beamed.

Neville smiled at him. Even though he still admired Harry, he felt a little resentful for the whole Ginny thing. 'Hey Harry! How's it all going?'

'Pretty good. You?'

'I'm ok,' he just said. Truth was, he missed Ginny but he was utterly happy to be in the order.

Before Harry could continue the conversation, Remus had entered, looking grim. Harry frowned and waited for him to seat across the table, next to Dumbledore. Everyone appeared to have noticed, for all the chattering fell silent, and they stared at Remus.

'What's the matter Remus, I take it you were in the Forest the past days,' Dumbledore started.

Remus looked up, the puzzled expression still visible. 'I've just been with the centaurs. They said a lot of things'

Harry stared intently at his old Professor. The centaurs were known for foreseeing the future in the stars. But they never spoke clearly, a fact that made Harry dislike most of them... they just spoke and put you in the edge, to say nothing more. They even appeared to rather enjoy it.

'What did they say?' Mr. Weasley started.

'Should I put the guards over the houses of the members up?' Moody asked in a low growl.

'Hold it Mad-Eye! Let the man speak! What did they say Remus?' Tonks asked, all her attention on him.

He frowned and tapped his wand on the side of his head; a movement very similar to the one Dumbledore and Snape made when using the pensieve. Suddenly he started speaking... reciting was more accurate. He said the words like a school boy when having memorised something by repeating it over and over again. 'There is blood in the moon... it will happen under The Boy Who Lived nemesis' hands. The solver and the living heir must be pillars for the marked one on his quest. The protector will be with them, and the healer will do what's best'

They all stared at him for a long moment, completely bedazzled. Harry broke the silence. 'What's that supposed to mean?'

Part two - The Lone Ranger

'So what were you going to do? Drag me down here and shut me in the Ravenclaw dungeon?' Salazar exploded and things blew apart in the room. Helga winced. Rowena came up and tired to come closer. 'Don't- even try it Rowena!' he warned.

'But- were you going to come if we asked you?' Helga asked tentatively.

'Well. In any case you'll never know, will you?'

Godric came up. 'Salazar, I know you realize the magnitude of this. But you have to take it in! We need your help!'

'I won't give you one bleeding hand to help!'

Godric reached for the every time weaker mind of his friend. 'Salazar, why did we get together in the first place? Why did we found Hogwarts? What was our ideal, remember?'

'But Godric! How would you feel if we had done that to you?!'

'I know, I know. I'm terribly sorry'

A sigh was heard from Salazar. Helga and Rowena just stared at the pair and exchanged looks every once in a while, wondering what on earth Godric could be telling him.

Before Godric could continue, Salazar intervened in his head. 'I do know, Godric. Trust me, I do know'

'That's my friend. Salazar. You understand the implications of it?'

'Yes, I do. But I can't help it, it keeps coming back to me... and the-'

'It's ok, I know that but you must fight it. You know he can't get his hands on it. It would be cataclysmic.' Godric knew it wasn't only the Symbio, but even so.

Salazar sighed yet again. 'Ok, Godric. I will help you. I know what the consequences would be. Unfortunately I'm still too aware of It,' he said heavily.

Godric focused his amber eyes on Rowena and smiled, relieved. She clapped her hands together softly and smiled. Helga beamed and kissed Salazar on the cheek.

'O-k, Helga. Someone's excited,' Salazar said with a small grin and a sideways look at her.

She smiled back at him. 'As a matter of fact, I am.' She placed another kiss on his cheek, and this time, Godric sensed the small blush on his face.

He doubted any of the girls had noticed it, for it was almost imperceptible to the eye. He smiled and then patted Salazar on the back, before going to Rowena and kissing her. 'Long way ahead of us,' he commented and she nodded.

***

They stared at Harry, but no one dared say anything. This prophecy couldn't be good; whatever meaning they gave to it. Dumbledore started to pace in the room, all eyes fell upon him, following all his steps. Somehow, they expected Dumbledore to stop all of a sudden and come up with the answer.

Hermione's mind started racing with all the clues given, but none seemed to make enough sense to make an affirmation. She bit her bottom lip, deep in thinking. Blood in the moon, the boy who lived nemesis, living heir, protector, healer, solver... it doesn't point anywhere. She was looking down, staring at her hands as she tried to think. Suddenly she noticed something as she was starting to get as frustrated as the others. Her hands started giving out a weak blue glow. Hermione gasped and the glow vanished. She looked at the rest of them, no one had noticed. What is going on with me? She asked herself. She was drawn back by Mr. Weasley's voice.

'Well, what can we deduce from this?' he asked, trying to be proactive.

'Voldemort and Harry are involved, at least we have that part clear' Tonks thought out loud.

'The moon is only dyed bye innocent blood...' Remus put in.

'...Or a very powerful incantation,' Hermione added in almost a whisper.

The musings continued for about an hour, and the atmosphere was really tense at that moment.

'Terminations they gave. Must mean something,' Moody said matter-of-factly, a little annoyed at the lack of answers.

'So it's an incantation or an attack at Voldemort's hands. That's all we can come up with,' Dumbledore said, summing up the last hour or so.

Harry was feeling more miserable by the time being. It never ended, did it? There would always be people who would get hurt because of him and this stupid war. A war that would eventually come down to one single bloody encounter. An encounter that would make him murderer or murdered.

Neville hadn't said anything till now; he just stared and took in all they said. He sensed Harry's worry and came closer, putting a hand on his shoulder. 'Harry, it's not you, all right? You didn't ask for this. But we need you to stay strong throughout all this. You're the only one-' He didn't need to finish.

Harry heard his friend's words and nodded heavily, unaware that everyone had turned to look at them both. 'I know,' he muttered.

Neville gave him a small smile and went back to his seat.

Harry realized all the looks on him and he studied them all. It was always the same, people staring at him with different looks; even his friends. He was used to them by now; but even so. Right now, some eyes seemed a little resentful, others pitiful. He didn't want to look at them all anymore. He stood and went up to his room. He didn't even want to talk to Sirius. Having Ginny right now wouldn't be so bad.

Hermione looked at his old professors and they nodded. She went upstairs and knocked the door, entering. 'Harry?' she asked.

He looked up and managed a small smile. 'Hey,' he just said and continued staring at the moving picture of his parents, all so happy and young.

Hermione came and sat next to him, putting a hand on his. 'Harry, I know this is tough-'

Harry snorted lightly and sighed. 'It's such a heavy weight, you know?'

'I can only imagine'

'I don't want anyone to get hurt'

'But you can't save the whole world... first you got to save yourself'

'Guess I don't have enough time to save myself huh?' he said with a small laugh.

'You should, it's always good'

'Yeah, probably I should'

'I'll tell you what. Let's go to the Forbidden Forest tomorrow morning, and we'll ask them'

Harry smiled, 'thank you Mione'

'Now, don't get your hopes up, for I don't reckon they'll say much. But we don't lose anything by asking'

'You're right'

***

'Son, how faithful are you to the cause?'

'I believe in it, sir'

'Do you really, now?'

'Yes, I do,' Draco responded, knowing where this was headed.

'Then you would do anything for it, right?'

He closed his eyes, he had no idea how to respond to this. 'As long as it doesn't implicate Hermione, yes.' He chuckled at the statement in his head. 'Almost anything father,' Draco said honestly and knew that had been a bad move.

Lucius was sitting at his desk, shuffling some papers. He stopped and slowly looked up at his son. 'What do you mean by that?'

He had to say something quickly. 'Well, if getting rid of the mudbloods and Potter includes a dance to the full moon, then I won't do it'

His father's lip curled a little. 'Of course not, Draco,' he said with a smirk. 'Now get going,' he ordered and Draco walked out of the room, sighing deeply in relieve as soon as he crossed the threshold.

'He's starting to become the breach in the plan.' A figure emerged from a corner of the Drawing Room. He had been there all along, covered by an Invisibility Cloak.

'I should've imagined you'd be here, Wormtail.' For a moment, Lucius was surprised, but didn't even look up at the man.

The small, round man, with a silvery hand, nodded. 'Yes Malfoy, I'm here'

'And to what do I owe the pleasure?' he asked, still not looking up.

'I was ordered here. To check on your son'

'I'm sure I can keep an eye on my own son, thank you,' he replied coldly, and finally stood to face him. His imposing form made the other man look even smaller and more insignificant.

'You know he's a very important part of the plan, Malfoy. We cannot afford him to falter.' He appeared unperturbed by Lucius.

'I know that, Pettigrew. He'll be ready when the time comes.' Lucius turned, giving his back to Peter.

'We expect so.' Wormtail said and dissapparated.

***

Morning had barely broken and the sun was beginning to show through the soft blue of the dying night. The atmosphere's coldness, penetrated to the bones with the dampness of the summer. Harry and Hermione exited Number twelve Grimmauld Place and started walking to the corner, looking out for any movement. Nothing.

They were both covered by cloaks with the hoods pulled up. Hermione was shivering to the cold, early breeze. Harry noticed and put an arm around her shoulders, trying to keep her warm. It was frustrating and incredibly relieving to have her in his arms, and Harry felt a little guilt as the words of his godfather echoed in his mind. He shook them off when Hermione pulled away to tell him it was safe to apparate now.

They appeared on the edge of the Forest, just outside Hogsmaede. It was the closest place, for they couldn't apparate in Hogwarts grounds. Harry took the bag Hermione had given him last Christmas, before all this had started. He pulled out what appeared to be a scale model of a Firebolt and another of a Cleensweep -Ron's old broom-. Harry concentrated and tapped them with two fingers, 'Engorgio,' he muttered and both brooms returned to their normal size.

This thing of wandless magic was really scary, and useful. At first he had tried to go back to his wand, but Dumbledore wouldn't let him. He would say Harry had discovered a wonderful thing and that he shouldn't be afraid of himself. He had repeated to Harry to "not let the past get in the way of your future" so many times, he had lost count. Eventually he had given up and carried his wand only to perform the most complicated charms.

Every time Hermione saw Harry do wandless magic, she shivered as it came back to her. That horrible night, when Harry hadn't been Harry, but a being consumed by power and resentful feelings. She wondered often if that was the real Harry, which had showed then. It was really surprising that after everything he had gone through, he still was the same insecure, shy boy that had no idea on how wonderful or valuable he was. That same little buy she had met on the Hogwarts Express seven years ago.

'Hermione? Hermione! Are you there?' Harry was waving a hand in front of her.

She shook her head and focused in the amused green eyes in front of her, she smiled. 'Sort of'

'Well, then get all of yourself here so we can take off and go to the Forest'

She nodded. 'Right.' She threw one leg over the broom and a chill ran through her back. She hated flying but it was the only way to get there, unless they wanted to walk and probably get lost.

They took off and before ten minutes had passed, they were already in the middle of the forest, landing. Hermione was getting a little nervous; there was no Hagrid now to protect them. She had to do an effort to not get absorbed by horrible memories of sixth year.

Apparently, Harry had had the same flashback and was also trying to get it out of his mind. He took a deep breath and dismounted, reducing his Firebolt and putting it back on his bag. Hermione got the hint and reduced hers too, handing it to Harry.

They walked through thickening branches, their robes hooking every now and then, and tearing. Harry did his best to magically keep the branches in place but they seemed to want to attack them.

Hermione stopped a moment and turned around. Harry noticed and looked at her, asking. She took her finger to her lips, saying "keep quiet", her eyes moved quickly from one place to the other. Harry followed her eyes and listened carefully, tensing all over when he heard it too.

Soft rustle of leaves surrounded them, gallop coming their way made them instinctively stand back to back, both their wands out and ready. Harry wanted to put Hermione behind him, but he knew she wasn't going to let him. He just hoped they wouldn't be in a bad mood or with a bow in hand.

Exactly what he feared, a few seconds later, a centaur emerged from the darkness of the forest. Looking all imposing and powerful, a chestnut-bodied centaur called Magorian was backed by at least ten more centaurs. Harry tensed when he saw he had his bow ready to attack, and so did the others.

'What is your business here, human?' he asked briskly.

'We mean not to disturb you, we mean no harm,' Hermione started, very diplomatically.

'You are not welcome here, Solver'

Hermione stared at him, puzzled. Harry frowned, but decided to ponder on that later. He took the word.

'You were with a werewolf last night'

'Indeed we were. What do you want?'

'We want to know what you meant with what you said.' He frowned mentally at this last words great choosing, Potter, he scowled at himself.

'We mean what we say, and better get on with your way before we have to send you away'

'But you don't hurt innocents,' Hermione pointed out and knew it had been a bad move. Several centaurs pawed the ground angrily.

'What makes you think you're innocent?' A hard-faced grey centaur spoke.

Harry felt like saying "we're more innocent than you, for sure", but that wouldn't have been exactly a good idea, given the fact they were already rather annoyed. Instead, he chose to be more polite. 'We haven't killed others, or wish-' He stopped himself, he couldn't say he hadn't wished harm to others, for it was not true.

'-we haven't wished others harm either,' Hermione said, giving Harry a sideways look.

They pounded their hooves angrily again. 'Your kind is about to kill half of the beings on this earth, and you're innocent?' said a wild-looking black centaur Harry recognised as Bane.

'I'd say we get rid of these two. Right now!' A light brown one spoke.

'Silence!' Magorian roared. 'We cannot kill these two'

Bane sagged and sighed. 'He's right'

'What do you mean we cannot kill them?' asked the light brown centaur, utterly puzzled.

'He has a prophecy to fulfil, Hergos. We cannot go against the prophecy'

The herd nodded in agreement, but they sure wanted to kill Harry and Hermione. 'We said what we said. That's what the stars told us'

'But it makes no sense!' Hermione cried, desperate.

'You should be the one figuring it. Now get going! This is not your place!' Magorian ordered and the herd started to walk away.

Soon they cleared, leaving Harry and Hermione alone in the dark forest. Harry, without a word, pulled the small broom models and returned them to normal size. Hermione followed.

When they finally got to Hogsmaede, it was mid-morning, the stores were open, and the movement on the streets of the little magical town were merrily alive. Harry stared at them, all happy and unworried... how he longed to be like that!

***

They had set one of the rooms in the Ravenclaw castle especially for their purpose. They would gather there two times a week to think and do whatever they decided in order to protect the power of Shikeon. There was no way any of them could get in if the rest weren't there. They had made a spell on which a statue on top of the entrance would identify each one of them. It wouldn't open the door unless it could identify the four at the same time.

Rowena was particularly proud of this enchantment she had created. It would be extremely useful if Salazar started to get out of control, for he wouldn't be able to go in there to prevent them from protecting that damned power of Mother Earth.

Godric ushered them from the dining room. 'Come on! I have an idea! Hurry, hurry!' he said eagerly. The four had agreed not to speak of it out of that room.

'Godric, would you please calm down? We're having dinner,' Salazar told him as he rolled his eyes.

'Yes, please calm down darling. The idea won't fly away, will it?'

'Uhm... sort of, you could say'

The three stopped and looked up at the landing where Godric was standing. 'What do you mean, Godric?' Helga asked, utterly curious.

'Well, come and see!' he beamed and gestured with his hand.

The finished their food and hurried to the Conference Room, as they had called it. Godric wasn't there but soon enough he came with something standing on his shoulder.

Rowena stared at it with adoring eyes and open mouthed. 'Where did you get it?' she asked.

'Oh my! How-?'

'Let's go in, shall we?'

They stood at the threshold and the gargoyle identified them, one by one. 'Ravenclaw, Rowena Ratzhid. Hufflepuff, Helga Hallefan. Gryffindor, Godric Gallefoth. Slytherin, Salazar Scaleno. Welcome to the Conference Room,' it said and the door swung open. They entered.

The room was spacious and high ceilinged. There were shelves all around the square room, with books, as well as strange-looking instruments of all sizes and forms. In the centre, sat a table wit four chairs around it. There were parchments lying all around it; maps, notes, incantations, and all they had thought of in the last month or so.

The door closed behind them and they gathered around Godric and a beautiful, humming phoenix. Its long tail sparkled with harmless flames and its mane seemed to wave merrily with its singing.

They all stared at it, fascinated. Helga finally spoke, 'how'd you get it to come so willingly?' she asked. She had sensed the phoenix contentment as she entered; that was a special connection the Spiricte gave its bearer.

'Sincerely, I am not sure. I had the idea-'

'Phoenixes can sense a persons intentions, he must've sensed you were good and meant no harm to him at all,' Rowena interrupted.

'Maybe, so I had the idea that maybe if-'

'And what exactly is your purpose by bringing a phoenix here?' Salazar interrupted Godric again.

'If you just let me finish, maybe I could explain!' he said, annoyed.

Rowena giggled, but had the decency to look embarrassed.

'Not funny!' Godric snapped but a trace of a smile was seen.

'Well, speak up mate!' Salazar interjected.

'All right, all right. But don't interr-'

'We won't interrupt you,' Salazar said lazily, with a smirk.

Godric narrowed his eyes at his friend and then rolled them. 'Ok, so I was thinking- come on!' he whined when Salazar opened his mouth as to speak.

'You interrupted yourself,' he pointed out and laughed.

Godric groaned and shook his head.

'Let us have some fun, will ya?'

'Salazar!' Helga snapped gently and laughed too. He nodded and sobered.

'Ok, so may I continue? All right. We all know a phoenix's song is fatal for an evil being. That is one of the most wonderful characteristics of them. So I was thinking that we could have him around whenever, you know...' he gestured with his hand. They nodded, Godric continued. 'if it doesn't drive the damn thing from Salazar's conscious, at least it will give it a hard time and-'

'Of course! Great! Give the poor man a hard time so the evil Symbio can't take over, is that it?' Salazar started and they all tensed, a lot of encounters with it had taken place in the last month. Most of them had ended in Salazar getting stunned, either by Godric or both girls; and that was taking its toll on his body. Surely, so many stunnings had consequences, in this case, weakening him even more every time. The Symbio continued, 'I'll tell you this. He's leaving! He's dying,' he said with a satisfied tone.

'Shut up! You bastard!' Godric was already pointing at his friend.

'What the blazes?' Salazar asked when he saw his friend almost attacking him. 'What did I say? Don't be so intolerant mate!' he yelled.

Godric sagged; Rowena and Helga sighed in relieve. He shook his head and went back to the table.

'What? Did I-? Oh no, I'm sorry fellows'

'It's ok, don't worry, all right? Just keep your defences up.' Helga said sympathetically and stroked his head.

Salazar wanted to shake her off and run away from there. He was giving them such a horrible time, and they were going through so much just because of him. He hated it! He hated himself even more for thinking of giving himself to the Symbio in the first place. If I had only known... he kept telling himself. He nodded and put a hand on Helga's arm. She smiled and gently kissed his cheek; it was a kiss full of love and sadness also.

'Shall we, then?' Rowena tried to get things going.

***

'Why are you being so thick, Harry? Am I opposing to Ginny coming over? Huh?' Hermione said angrily.

'What the hell do you mean? It is completely different! And you know it!'

'How is it different, uh Harry? Tell me!' She knew how it was different, but was so angry.

'W- What? Have you lost your mind, Hermione?' His voice was raising. 'He's almost a Death Eater if you hadn't noticed!'

'But he won't say anything!' Hermione appealed to whatever came to her mind. Knowing too well that probably it didn't even make sense.

'How would you know? It is Draco Malfoy we're talking about here! Have you forgotten?!'

'He's my boyfriend, Harry.' She was too aware of the emphasis she had put in the word boyfriend, and could see the effects of it.

'You know what? Do whatever you want. I don't care!' he said and stormed out of his room. Boyfriend; that was so low Hermione. Harry thought as he felt his chest tighten.

Hermione watched him leave and buried her face in her hands, sobbing softly.

Harry went downstairs, trying his best to fetch a smile when he saw Ginny. He cared about Ginny a great deal, but the ghost of Hermione wouldn't leave him.

Ginny was eating some cake Mrs. Weasley had made when they had arrived. She beamed at him when he entered. 'Hi there! Want some cake?' she asked as she almost jumped on him to kiss him hello.

Harry wrapped his arms around her and it was nice to feel her near, even though there was something in the back of his mind, bothering him. 'Hi Gin! Haven't seen you in a while,' he said and was surprised to hear his voice speak as if there was nothing wrong. He probably was getting used to this two-face thing, as much as he didn't like it.

A while later, Hermione came down, and Harry noticed she had been crying. He sighed softly. Probably no one would notice, it was this little eye-thing she did when she had been crying. Her right one became slightly smaller when she smiled (forcefully, obviously) that gave her away... to Harry at least.

'Hello, Ginny! Had a nice trip?' she asked cheerfully.

Either she doesn't care or she's getting used to it also, Harry thought.

Ginny nodded. 'Floo isn't the most comfortable, but I'll have to get used to it, at least until after I get my apparating license results,' she said gleefully. She was obviously too happy to be with Harry.

Harry was hugging her from behind; Hermione eyed them and said nothing. 'Draco is coming later today,' she said with a smile. The thought of him made her feel much better.

Ginny's eyes widened and she shifted uncomfortably, Harry noticed but gave it no importance, he was too taken by the fact that he was coming to pay attention to Ginny's reactions.

'I didn't know that. Is Dumbledore all right with this? And Professor Lupin?'

'As a matter of fact, they are,' Hermione said, more to Harry than to Ginny.

Ginny noticed and decided to pay no attention to that, it's her boyfriend, a small voice said inside her head, reassuringly. But if he's with her, then why did he kiss me at the Graduation Ball? The same voice inquired.

'Ginny?' Came Harry's voice from far away and Ginny was brought back.

'Huh? Yes, you were saying?' She tried to act normal.

'I was telling you about the Centaurs, and how they wouldn't tell us anything.

'Right. They're so annoying, aren't they?'

'Hmph'

Just after lunch, the door to Grimmauld Place opened and Harry, Ginny, and Hermione went to the entrance. Lupin was escorting an eye-covered Draco inside the Headquarters. Harry couldn't believe he looked cool, even with his eyes covered. The way his silvery-blond hair fell over the black bandage was amazing, Harry hmphed.

Hermione's grin widened when she saw him in the hall. Lupin took off the bandages with a wave of his wand and Hermione ran to him, kissing him welcome. Harry felt like looking away, but couldn't.

Draco kissed Hermione back and wrapped his arms around her waist. 'Hello beautiful,' he said silkily.

Ugh! So much arrogance and style make me sick! Harry thought, indignant.

'Hello Potter,' he gave a curt nod and his grey eyes fell upon Ginny. 'Ginny,' he said with a stunning smile and a small bow. He took Hermione's hand and looked around. 'So this is the noble and most ancient house of Black, huh?' he said.

Everyone stared at him blankly, bewildered.

'Yes, I know this is the House of Black,' he said lazily.

Harry shook his head and wondered how he was going to put up with him and for how long.

Soon, they were having dinner at the table. The twins, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Lupin, Dumbledore, Tonks and Mundungus were there. There was a tense atmosphere between the twins and Malfoy, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stayed as apart from him as they could.

They chatted very carefully, for they knew Malfoy. But apart from that, dinner went really well. Malfoy was placed in Harry and Ron's old room and Harry was just too glad he didn't have to share room with him.

Right after dinner, there was the usual weekly Order meeting. Harry and Hermione had to go, and Malfoy and Ginny were sent away before the members started to arrive. Malfoy seeing Snape could've blown his cover, and ruin it all.

Ginny and Draco sat in Draco's room, in silence. He broke it. 'Uhm... so what do you do around here for fun? Go out and rescue kittens from the trees?' he asked in a mocking voice.

Ginny glared at him. 'Why do you always have to be so unpleasant?' she asked.

'It's fun,' he just responded.

She threw her hands in the air, annoyed and stood. 'I wouldn't know, I'm not allowed'

'How's that?'

'I have to at least graduate, like Harry, Hermione and Neville'

'Longbottom is in the order too?' Draco asked, amazed. 'No wonder you have the losing cards,' he snorted.

Ginny turned around and glared at him. 'For your information, Neville's a great wizard'

'Yeah, and I'm The Dark Lord's replacement'

'You may as well be,' Ginny replied coolly.

Draco stared at her and sighed. 'Let's talk of something else, shall we?'

'Good idea,' Ginny agreed.

'So what were they saying about centaurs earlier today?' Draco asked bluntly.

'It is none of your concern,' Ginny replied, and then sagged. 'I'm sorry, this is very frustrating'

'It's ok, I know'

'You do?'

'Well, Hermione... me. Ring any bells?'

Ginny rolled her eyes and smiled. 'Yeah.' She started summoning things to her hand and flying them back to their places. 'Seems that the centaurs made a kind of prediction, which they think implicates people close to Harry getting hurt. But they know nothing for sure. Harry and Hermione went there, but the centaurs nearly killed them, and said nothing'

Draco listened and nodded. 'So how am I not surprised?' he asked and then realised that was the wrong thing to say. 'Maybe we can get them to talk,' he added quickly.

Ginny cocked an eyebrow. 'What makes you think they'll tell you anything if they didn't tell Harry or Hermione?'

Draco examined his fingernails. 'Well, for a start, I have style and tact.' He smiled and Ginny rolled her eyes; he focused on her. 'And besides, he's pretty much the one that is causing this war and they know it'll bring death and stuff. So you could understand why they're a little reluctant and resentful towards him.' He shrugged.

Ginny listened to him, astonished at the boy's analyzing ability. As a matter of fact it made sense, what he'd just said. Centaurs were like that. The greater good, their own safety. 'You got a point there,' she admitted.

Draco nodded. 'Of course. I'm always right,' he said obnoxiously.

'You'll never change, will you?'

'What do you mean? What do I have to change?'

'Your attitude for a start'

'What's wrong with my attitude? For you information, girls happen to love that attitude you so fondly speak of, Miss know-it-all?' Draco pointed defensively.

Ginny waved a hand dismissively and stood. 'So you really reckon you can get something out of them?'

'Of course I can! Want to make a bet?'

'Even better. I'll come with you. We'll leave now and will be back by the end of the night, I don't reckon they'll notice. Hermione'll be too taken with whatever they'd told them, and Harry won't even want to see you'

Draco looked at her quizzically.

'What? You scared little Malfoy?'

'Not at all Weasel,' he smirked. 'But you can't apparate, hun'

'We'll take Harry's fireplace, at Sirius' old room. It's also connected to the Floo Network'

'Gee, you're a mastermind, are you not?'

Ginny winked at him. 'Shall we hurry?'

'Right MacGyver, let's go'

Ginny looked at him with an eyebrow raised. He shrugged.

Soon, they were in Hogsmaede, and Draco was doing exactly what Harry had a few days back; he was pulling reduced brooms from his robe pocket and getting them back to normal size.

They finally got to the Forest and it wasn't long till the centaurs cornered them. Draco, Ginny noticed, was nervous. It was amazing to see any display of emotion in him. She shook herself, Hello? You're surrounded by centaurs who want to kill you. You should be nervous!

Ginny looked around at the centaurs. There were only half a dozen and it surprised her.

'What do you want human? Is there a daily tour of humans to our lands?' Bane spoke, though Ginny didn't know him.

Magorian came up. 'What is your business here? And put that wand away boy!' he growled.

Draco's eyes widened and he reluctantly stuffed his wand on his sea-green robes (about which Draco had been complaining all the way through the forest; on getting them filthy and ruined).

'You're innocents, so I won't kill you. But be sure they will if they get the chance. So go away!'

Draco finally found the courage to speak, but he kept Ginny close to him, holding her hand. He let go off her and she understood she should stay there. 'Uhm... yes, we'll leave. I'm not interested in a country house in the middle of a dark forest, than you. But we want to know something first,' he demanded and three of the centaurs pawed the ground with force. '...please?' Draco tried with the polite word, he wasn't used to.

'What do you want to know-,' Magorian started and then noticed Draco, apparently for the first time. He looked at his fellows and back at him, with a slight bow, that utterly surprised Draco. '-living heir,' he asked, and these last words were said with much more respect.

'Living what?' Draco started defiantly, but stopped when Ginny elbowed him.

'Draco, whatever they called you, they seem much less violent, so please keep up with it,' she whispered urgently.

Bane looked at her more closely and bowed at her. Ginny didn't understand this.

'What is it you want my lady?' Magorian asked, seemingly seeing the same Bane had.

Ginny frowned and came from behind Draco. 'Er... we want to know what you meant by what you said to Professor Lup-, er... the werewolf,' Ginny stated.

Magorian nodded in understanding. 'I am sorry my lady, but that's what the stars told us, and they still say. There was blood in the full moon. You sure know what that means,' he said as if it were the most natural thing that a sixteen year old knew what he had just said.

Ginny said nothing. Draco took the word. 'But that doesn't point anywhere'

'Living heir, you must be careful. The seventh is not the seventh anymore, and probably will become even less,' he said, directing a slight look at Ginny. Draco noticed, but gave it no importance.

'Ok, that makes it all clearer,' Draco said sarcastically.

'You must get out of here, it's dangerous. You should know it'

'We came here for answers; we don't exactly have any answer'

'You must get away from it. But you'll have to be a pillar for him'

Draco frowned at this last statement and shook his head. 'Thank you for all the riddles, but please say that in Christian. Get away from what? Pillar for whom?' he asked, but they were gone. Draco sighed. 'Now that went really well, don't you reckon?' he said, annoyed.

'They didn't kill us, did they?' Ginny tried to look at the bright side. 'And they gave us a little more information,' she shrugged.

'Such useful information,' he grunted and mounted his Nimbus 2001, taking off. Ginny got on her Comet and followed.

A while after, they were back at Grimmauld Place and as soon as they had appeared there, Ginny was received by a suffocating hug, and then endless yells.

'...what on earth possessed you to- So dangerous!' Mrs. Weasley snapped at her daughter, then turned to Harry and Hermione. 'That's exactly why I didn't want you to talk about it in front of Ginny. She's not in the order yet!'

Draco felt utterly uncomfortable. He felt he was invading; an outsider in a family fight. And it wasn't helped by Harry's deadly looks every five seconds or so while he held Ginny from the back, protectively. If eyes could throw beams, he would probably already be a strainer.

Finally, it cooled down and they all managed to go to sleep. The Weasleys went back to the Burrow for the night, but Ginny stayed behind at Harry's request. He had no idea why he had asked her to stay, but he felt he had to.

Normally Hermione and Ginny would share a room, but today Ginny stayed with Harry. Probably because she hadn't seen him in nearly two weeks now and had just been away for a night with Malfoy.

Harry and Ginny went to the top room, Harry's room and lay on the bed. Ginny went inside the bathroom to change in her night-gown. When she came out, Harry had already put the pyjama bottoms, and was bare-chested, pulling his pyjama top over his head.

'Don't-' Ginny heard her voice from faraway, as if it weren't hers. 'Please?' she said and blushed slightly.

Harry put down the jumper and looked at her. He sat on the bed. Ginny came and sat on the bed too. 'You shouldn't had gone off, you know?' he said in a hearty voice.

Ginny looked down. 'I wanted to do something, and Draco-'

Harry stopped her. 'I know, but please don't do it again. Something could've happened to you,' he said softly.

Ginny sighed, touched by this. 'I'm sorry,' she just said.

Harry came closer and leaned closer. 'I'm glad you're all right,' he whispered and kissed her deeply.

Ginny kissed him back and wrapped her arms around his neck.

***

Hermione couldn't sleep, partly because she knew Ginny was sleeping in Harry's room, and she didn't want to think what could happen there. And partly because of what Draco had repeated to her when he came back. A seventh that is not a seventh anymore, and may be even less. That was what had called her attention the most.

She sat on the bed, her back resting against the headboard, deep in thinking. She sighed, she couldn't connect it all. She was getting frustrated and decided to pay Draco a small visit, at least he would make her feel better, as he always did. She stood and padded bare-foot to Harry and Ron's old room, when it hit her.

She stopped dead and her mind raced. She felt the warmth she had felt when she first heard the prophecy. 'It's not a prophecy! It's a riddle. A seventh that is not seventh anymore. The boy-who-lived nemesis. Blood in the moon, innocent blood! Solver! Oh my god! The Prism of Odeon is in the Burrow. The Weasley's will be attacked!' she cried and ran to Harry's room. Just that second, her eyes caught a small blue glimpse go past her, but she didn't pay attention to it.

She slammed the door open and saw Harry and Ginny; Harry half-naked, and Ginny's gown pulled up more than a little bit. They were kissing passionately and their hands were nowhere to be seen. She gasped, and for a moment forgot about everything, feeling her chest tighten.

'What the bloody hell!' Harry called, half angry, half embarrassed.

***

When they finally apparated there, Hermione couldn't help but gasp and stagger backwards, fearing the worst and bumping into an astonished Harry. The silence pierced their ears like arrows. No movement was sensed and in the air was only a cloud of dust, pointed by the whistling of the wind.

They were staring at a house that had once had four magically held stories. The Burrow was now diminished to almost a pile of rubble. Third and fourth floor had fallen down, and second was about to in any second. The right part of the first floor was completely wrecked. Harry noticed it and frowned.

Harry was the first one to react. 'We've got to get them out of there!' he said, determined.

'But what if-' Hermione said with fear.

'Let's go!' Ginny ordered before Harry could, and they followed.

They went inside and the sight was almost unbearable. Death Eater's bodies lay on the ground; either stunned or dead. And all the Weasleys were down, pools of blood around some of them.

Ginny staggered backwards when she saw her brothers lying on the ground, unconscious and bleeding. Harry held her for a moment until she caught her breath. Hermione was already taking their pulse, turning immediately to automatic, non-emotional mode.

Harry eyed Ginny and she nodded slightly. He pulled away and went with Hermione. Neville was checking on Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Ginny stood petrified for one more moment and then stared at the others, making the bodies of the Death Eaters fly outside while the rest of the Order and some Aurors came.

Ginny kneeled besides Bill and cried, she could see a lot of wounds all over his body, and he turned paler with the second. 'Bill, please don't die. Not you too,' she pleaded as she cast healing charms on his body. They didn't work for more than a few moments. The wounds must've been magically made if they didn't heal with the charms. He was her favourite brother, after Ron of course. She didn't want to lose him too.

Harry carried Fred and George's bodies to the couches on the wrecked living rooms. There was a thin trickle of blood coming from Fred's head, and George seemed to have a broken arm, for it was sticking in a funny angle. Apart from that, he just appeared to be stunned. Harry pointed at his chest, 'Ennervate,' he said and George's eyes flew open; wide with fear. Harry shushed him. 'It's ok, you're safe now,' he whispered and the twin gave him the smallest smile before wincing with pain to his arm.

Harry bit his bottom lip. 'It's broken, I'll have to put it back into place and then cast the cast, all right?' George nodded and prepared for the pain. Harry took a deep breath and with one quick movement of his hand, he put the bone back in place. George cried out loud. Harry let out air and then called 'Ferula.' A white cast wrapped George's arm. That would do till they got to St. Mungos. 'I am going to go help the others, ok?' Harry said and George nodded.

Ginny kept trying to heal Bill, unable to find her voice to call for someone. They were all occupied in other things. Ginny was shaking her head as Bill's pulse slowed a great deal. She threw her wand aside and with pieces of her robes, started bandaging his brother. 'No, Bill, no,' she muttered as she shook her head and tried desperately to stop the bleeding.

Harry finally looked around and saw Ginny and Bill, she was looking desperate and the pool that kept growing around Bill told Harry he was bleeding to death. He hurried towards the eldest Weasley and kneeled besides Ginny. He tried to put a hand over his chest to heal him. Ginny pushed his hand away. 'What-? Ginny! Must heal him!'

'It's no use! I already tried!' she cried as her hands were on his chest.

'Let me-' he didn't finish the sentence; just then, he saw Ginny's shaking hands start to glow a soft yellow, and as the glow reached Bill, it turned a mild orange. He stared at it, astounded and too surprised to say or do anything. Slowly, he noticed how Bill's wounds started to heal.

Ginny was apparently as surprised as Harry was, but she kept her hands over her brother's chest until all of his wounds were healed. Bill stirred a little, but he was still pale as a ghost. Ginny looked up at Harry, and managed a smile.

Dumbledore, Lupin and Percy arrived a few seconds after. Harry looked up, relieved and stood with a previous nod from Ginny.

Percy looked at his wrecked house and his family, all wounded and lucky to be alive. He directed Harry the deadliest look and decided to say whatever he was going to, after his family was safe at the Hospital. Although Percy had redeemed with his family, he still thought same of Harry, and even more, after Ron's death.

Luckily, Charlie had been on guard at Grimmauld Place and wasn't there, but he apparated soon after Harry and the rest were there. They didn't even have time to wake the rest; left an alarm note and apparated out. He took care of his mother, who had been badly beaten; taking her to St. Mungos. Neville followed, carrying Fred and Lupin approached Bill, taking him to the Hospital.

Percy took his father in his arms and went to the fireplace, disappearing in the green flames. Harry stared after him and sighed. He helped George up and went with him through the fireplace.

Dumbledore and the rest took care of the Death Eaters, sending the ones that were alive to the Limbo and that ones that weren't to the Wizardring Morgue. Limbo was how the temporary prison of the Ministry was called. The prosecuted waited there till their trial took place.

At St. Mungos Hospital for Magical Maladies, a group of people were gathered and it was almost daybreak. They were all waiting for news on Molly, Arthur and Bill. Fred had only had a concussion, but was ok; and George's arm was fixed in a second.

The tense environment was deeply felt. Dumbledore sat on a chair, his fingers interlocked; looking older than Harry had ever seen him. Lupin and Charlie paced up and down the waiting room. Ginny was sitting in a corner; Harry had been holding her but had to let go, reluctantly; leaving Hermione to that task. Neville and Draco were only staring at everyone, feeling like intruders among the family grieve. Even though Neville was close to the Order and to Harry, he wasn't nearly as involved with the Weasleys as the rest in the room were. And Draco, he had just been in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Percy, who had been inside with the doctors came out, looking grim. Charlie looked up, asking with his eyes, waiting for the worst. 'Dad's awake, Bill is still very weak, fighting for his life and we won't know about mum until in a few hours. The doctors recommend we get some sleep,' he just said, looking at the ground.

A moment after, he looked up, focusing his eyes directly on Harry. He narrowed his eyes and pointed a finger at him, accusingly. 'This was all your fault, Potter! It wasn't enough to get my little brother killed, was it? No... you had to get to the rest of my family, didn't you? Who's going to be next, huh? Ginny, who's going out with you? My mum, who cares so much about you? Tell me Potter! Tell me!' He was shaking Harry hard; he himself was also shaking all over with anger. Harry just gaped at him, not knowing what to say or do.

It was Charlie who pulled Percy from over Harry. 'Percy! Stop it! What do you think you're doing?'

'It is his fault Charlie. And you bloody well know it! He's going to get us all killed!'

He slapped Percy and spoke in a deep voice. 'It is not his fault, understood? None of this is!'

Percy looked at his older brother, unable to believe his ears. 'You're all crazy. You're blind,' he said in almost a whisper and walked away. Draco watched him go, feeling oddly astonished, even though he had nothing to do with it.

Harry merely stared at it all, too shocked to react. Charlie came to him and put a hand on his shoulder. Harry pushed it away and went to sit in a corner. Not even Ginny or Hermione went there; they both knew too well to leave him alone right now.

Draco felt his chest tighten and he started panting for breath, just as Harry was. No one noticed. A while later, the sensation was gone; but it was still too strange and unknown to have all these feelings; what's happening to me?

***

'So we have a plan of action now, right?' Rowena was saying, with pride.

'I guess you could say so...' Salazar said. Some part of him was relieved, and the other wanted to trash it all with one movement of his hand. He repressed it.

'Jolly good!' Helga exclaimed and kissed Salazar.

He smiled against the kiss; it was nice to have someone again. He didn't know if he loved her, or if he would ever love again; but even so, he liked being around Helga.

'And to say that he used to complain about us honey,' Godric said with a sneer. He was so glad Salazar had something else on his mind, besides the whole keeping under control thing.

'Now we only have to find those materials. It's not going to be easy, I tell you'

'We'll go on missions every other day to get them,' Godric said with a thoughtful air.

'We'll get them. Even if we have to go from one end of the earth to the other,' Helga assured them all. Salazar gave her hand a little squeeze.

Rowena smiled softy and nodded. 'Yes we will,' she said. 'And in the meantime, we must think were to put it and how to guard it. Any ideas?'

Salazar thought for a moment. 'Well, it's a chest. We can bury it,' he said and shrugged.

'Yeah, and then we'll make a treasure map to find it,' Godric added sarcastically.

'Hey, why not? Sounds like a good idea to me,' Helga said honestly.

'But we'd have to put up some pretty tough guards. Guards only we can open,' Rowena put in, meaning the four of them, together.

'And willingly,' Godric said matter-of-factly.

They sat in silence for a moment. All that could be heard was the sweet humming of Fawks, as they had called the phoenix.

Just then, Salazar looked up. 'We'll have something to canalize all of our powers'

'A crystal!' Helga chimed.

'That only works with our magical energies tuned,' Rowena complemented gleefully.

'It's settled then! I'll get the crystal tomorrow, first hour. You can only enter the Caves of Shahala early in the morning.' Godric jumped to his feet.

***

It was the middle of the night and Harry had all his stuff in his magiked bag. He tiptoed down the staircase and almost knocked something down when he saw a form in the hallway, just below the stairs. He narrowed his eyes to accustom them to the darkness and identify whoever was standing there.

Harry rubbed his eyes when he distinguished a silvery blond haired boy standing in front of him. 'Malfoy?' he asked, bewildered.

'You really are leaving then huh? You little coward,' Draco was leaning lazily against the post at the end of the steps.

'What did you just say?' Harry frowned.

'I told you your truth. You're a coward. Running away in the middle of the night.' He smirked. 'Really brave, you turned out to be'

'Shut up! What do you know? What do you even care?' Harry said defiantly.

'I don't give a damn about you Potter,' Draco said with disdain. 'I care about Hermione, and you very well know this will kill her.' He looked away. He knew how much she loved Potter and hated it.

'What do you know, Malfoy? You are not even welcome here!' Harry spat.

He decided to ignore the last part of the sentence. 'I know she loves you. And you're a fool for not seeing it when you had your chance. Well, guess what? She's with me now,' he said with an insolent, yet satisfied tone. Oh! How much he'd waited to see that expression, but right now it didn't feel as good as he'd expected it to.

That look was pure hurt; in the deepest of his soul, it tore him apart. The sparkle of his green eyes had a mix of pain, anger and resignation, and Draco sensed it, but didn't say anything.

They stayed silent for a long moment, just staring at each other, and then Harry spoke, looking away. 'Look, you wouldn't understand. All you've had in your life is been easy. You come from a good family, people know you, but not for being supposed to save the world. They know you because they know your father, in a good or a bad way; the Malfoys have always been respected. You have no idea on what-' He was speaking in a low voice. He looked up, Malfoy was gazing intently at him, and Harry didn't know why. 'I don't even know why I'm giving you explanations! Just get out of my way, Malfoy!' He pushed past him.

'Potter! You're such a selfish coward!'

Harry stopped and turned around. 'Oh, that's new. I didn't know you had those kinds of discernments. That's sweet,' he said sarcastically and re-engaged his way.

'Yeah, well, want me to wrap them up for you? Maybe that way you'll have some of your own. You're going to be sorry Potter'

Harry's anger was rising more with every passing minute, but he couldn't do anything because he would wake the whole household. He walked closer to Draco and raised a finger at him.

Draco flinched almost imperceptibly, but stayed put.

'No one else will get hurt anymore because of me. I'll go and kill the bastard, and if not, then at least they'll be safe. But I don't expect you to understand that.' He walked past him once more and stopped again, but he didn't turn. 'And Draco, please take care of Hermione if I don't come back,' he said almost in a whisper.

It was the first time Harry used his first name, and Draco understood the seriousness of his petition. He didn't say anything, but he would definitely do that. As a matter of fact, he would probably go and follow the little idiot to make sure he didn't get killed, only because of Hermione.

***

'What the hell were you thinking Draco? Why didn't you stop him? Why didn't you come and get me! I can't believe you let him go!' Hermione was yelling at him the next morning.

Draco was silent, there was no way he would've stopped Potter, even if he's tried. Ginny was sitting at the kitchen table, with her face in her hands, sobbing softly. Draco noticed and winced slightly, because of both girls. They both loved Harry very much, and to be honest, he couldn't quite understand it. He thought there was something about him that made everyone around him wants to help and be there. He had never had that and probably wouldn't ever. He was brought back by a slap on the face. He took his hand to his cheek and frowned at her. 'What the fuck was that for?' he asked angrily.

Before Hermione could respond, Lupin had come inside the kitchen. 'That's enough!' he roared and they fell silent. 'Hermione, it wasn't his fault, you very well know he couldn't have stopped him, even if he had wanted to'

'Thank you professor Lupin,' Draco started, but quieted at the look he received. Some part of him, the Malfoy part of him wanted to hex the werewolf or not even listen to him. But he was on their domain, and Draco knew too well that you have no power on others domains.

'That doesn't take away the fact that you should've come up and let any of us know the second he left,' he snapped.

'I don't believe you. I don't believe you Draco! How could you do that?' She had started to cry now, and this made Draco really mad.

'Fine!' he just said and walked out the door, slamming it.

Hermione sighed, she loved Draco and wanted to go after him; but deep down inside she knew she loved Harry more, and this was almost a certain death for him. And she knew why he had done it. 'Bloody Percy!' she muttered and went up to her room.

Ginny stared after Draco when he slammed the door, and then Hermione stormed out of the kitchen. She glanced at Lupin, as asking him what to do. She took a decision in that moment and stood up.

Lupin shot her a look. 'Don't you even think about going after him Ginny. We don't want you to sign your death sentence as well,' he said heavily.

Ginny opened her mouth a couple of times to speak, but closed it again. She knew he was right, as much as she hated it.

***

Draco was sitting on the step of Grimmauld Place's backyard. He was playing with a wooden stick, making stupid doodles on the soil.

Hermione opened the door and sat next to him. She sighed.

'Don't-' he said, not looking at her, before she could speak.

'Draco...' Hermione said softly.

'I understand. I thought I could do better, but apparently I can't. I'm sorry Hermione,' Draco said honestly. This was one of the few times when you could feel some emotion in his voice.

She frowned. 'What are you talking about?' Hermione asked, knowing what the answer was.

'We were really stupid to think this could work,' he said, still not looking at her.

Hermione pulled his face up, so his grey eyes were upon her. 'What are you trying to say Draco?' she asked, not wanting to know the answer.

Draco sighed. 'I'm trying to say that no matter what, I'll always be there for you. And will always take care of you. But this can't go on-' he broke off. He didn't want to say the main motive why he was breaking up with her.

Hermione bit her lip as she felt her eyes well up with tears. 'Draco...'

'You know it's true, baby'

She didn't say anything, she knew it. She nodded and wiped her eyes. 'I understand,' she said in a shaky voice.

Draco wiped a tear from her cheek. 'I'll always love you...' he assured her and leaned in for a last kiss.

Hermione accepted it willingly, but broke it apart after a few moments. She stood and walked into the house again. Draco sighed heavily and looked out at the dying afternoon. Potter... always doing better than me. It won't be like that much longer, I promise.

A while later, Draco felt the door open again behind him. He turned around with a smile, expecting to see Hermione, but instead there was Dumbledore. What would he want? He asked himself.

Dumbledore stared at Draco for a moment, and then sat next to him on the step. 'Beautiful, isn't it?'

'Yes, it's amazing'

'Young Malfoy, I understand what you might be feeling. Even though you don't show it; as you've very well have been taught not to'

Draco looked at him. 'You're wrong Professor'

Dumbledore nodded. 'Yes, I am'

'I'm just doing what's got to be done'

'And yet, you're still in conflict'

'Things can be ambiguous'

'Oh, yes they can... Just in front of you is love; just behind, is betrayal. Like I said to someone else, five years ago Mr. Malfoy,' he started calmly, his even blue eyes glinting. 'It's our choices that show and make us what we truly are; far more than our abilities... or our destiny...' he said and winked at him.

Draco stared at his former Headmaster, utterly puzzled. He looked at the sunset once more and turned again. 'Headmaster, I don't under-' Draco frowned, for there was no one sitting next to him anymore. He sighed and shook his head. Bloody hell! Why does he always have to speak in such a cryptic language?

***