Harry Potter and the Legacy of Merlin

Chapter 9

The Secret Adversary

The moment they appreared at the Burrow, Mrs Weasley enveloped both of them in a hug. "Never do that again, both of you! We were so worried!" she cried, tears in her eyes.

"Why'd you leave me out?" Ron asked.

"Thank you," Ginny said.

Harry and Hermione merely smiled at them. Mrs Weasley made a huge lunch. Even Dumbledore stayed back for lunch. They related all that had happened.

"But why did You-Know-Who want to tell you about this? Aren't you No.1 on his hit list?" Ron asked Harry.

Harry didn't know what to say. He didn't want to tell them about being Voldemort's grandson. Thankfully, he was saved from answering by a sudden movement on his right. He turned to see that Hermione had fainted in her chair. She was taken upstairs to Ginny's room.

"What happened to her?" Ron asked, concerned.

"She's exhausted. Double Apparition costs you dearly; it is fatal for most wizards. It is a miracle she was conscious this long. It might be better if we took her to Hogwarts. Poppy can cure her in a few days," said Dumbledore.

Everyone agreed with him. So, Harry, holding Hermione in his arms, followed Dumbledore into the fire, shouting, "Hogwarts!"

As soon as they reached there, Madam Pomfrey approached them. She immediately started working on Hermione. Then she put Harry to bed as well, much against his wishes. After settling down in his bed, however, he contented himself by staring at Hermione. Soon, however, he drifted off into a comfortable sleep.

The next morning Harry woke up feeling very fresh. He glanced at Hermione's bed and was shocked to see it empty. He looked around, suddenly worried at not seeing her anywhere. He threw off his covers and went out to the corridor. No sign of her.

"Hermione!" he called.

No reply. He started running, a knot settling in his stomach. Where could she have gone? He kept looking everywhere. She was not even in the Great Hall where most of the teachers were having dinner. Then he turned towards Dumbledore's office.

"Chocolate Frogs." The gargoyle sprung open. Harry walked in and sighed in relief. Hermione was sitting here chatting pleasantly with Dumbledore.

"Harry? What are you doing here in your bedclothes?" Dumbledore asked. Hermione turned around to look at him and burst out laughing. Harry grinned at her.

"You had me worried, you know. I've been all over the place looking for you," he told her.

Hermione looked at him strangely and said quietly, "I'm sorry if I caused you anxiety, Harry. I didn't want to disturb your sleep."

"It's ok," he said.

Dumbledore smiled, "Why don't you go and change, Harry? Then we three can go for dinner. Hermione simply wouldn't eat without you, and I decided to give her company."

Harry smiled at them and left. Ten minutes later, they were all seated in the Great Hall, eating happily. After the meal, Dumbledore told them to go to their dormitories and sleep. They left the hall.

Seated in the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry said, "Hermione, I want to tell you something."

She put a hand on his shoulder.

"I-I am Voldemort's grandson."

"So?"

"You don't hate me for that?"

"Of course not, Harry. You are my best friend. How can I hate you?"

Harry looked at her in awe. Girls. "I thought it would be better if I kept my origin to myself."

"You were right. Most people would be scared of you if they learn that. Even Ron," she sighed. Then she looked at him with a piercing gaze, "Tell me, Harry, did you not see who the Death Eater student was?"

Harry started. She said soothingly, "It's all right. Dumbledore told me everything. But I have a shrewd suspicion that you know who the traitor is."

Harry nodded and hung his head, "It's all my fault. She turned traitor because of me."

"Of course not, you idiot," Hermione said gently, "It's not your fault. It's her own choice."

"You know?"

"I think so. It is the only theory which covers all the facts, and once you have eliminated all other possibilities, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

Harry looked at her straight in the eye and said, "Legilimens!" He entered her mind and came back immediately. He had found his answer.

"Your guess is right. It is her. But please keep it a secret. Don't tell anyone, not even Dumbledore."

"I won't, not till she endangers someone. Anyway, I never guess. Guessing is a shocking habit, destructive to the logical faculty."

"Where do you get so much sense from?"

"I read, Harry. You should, too."

"I will, Hermione, I will," he said softly. His heart fluttered in his chest. Was it possible? Was what he thinking correct?