Was it all enough? - Year 7

"I think I can come up with something more to your liking. C'mon let's try another place," Kristi said and they all followed her out. The limo quickly left the wizarding community and stopped in front of a large muggle pub. They all went inside, getting more looks for their nice clothes than for who any of them were. They found a booth in the back near some pool tables. Sirius was definitely in his element here. Kristi seemed very comfortable here as well. For the next few hours, Kristi and Sirius tried to teach Cho and Harry how to play pool. Cho said she was getting tired so Harry and Cho apparated back to the hotel, leaving Kristi and Sirius playing pool.

The next day, the couple spent more time walking around Paris before returning to the castle. Sirius wasn't around when the arrived. "Did you have a good time Cho?" Harry asked.

"It was nice. I would have liked to stay at the club longer though. That pub was kind of shady for me," she said sounding a little upset.

Harry had actually liked the pub better. "It wasn't that bad. Kristi seemed comfortable there," Harry replied. Cho said she was tired and left for home before long. Harry felt like she was upset about something but didn't know what. He had enjoyed Paris a lot and couldn't wait to go back.

When Hermione came over the next week, he told her all about the things they did in Paris and about how Cho seemed upset.

"She must just like the 'in-crowd' places," Hermione said not sounding like that was a bad thing.

"I liked it for a bit, but it starts to get old after a while. The other place was more comfortable and you could actually talk. Which place would you have liked better?" Harry asked.

Hermione thought for a minute and said, "Probably the same as you but it's hard to tell without being there." She was quiet for a bit and asked. "Before Sirius gets back, can we try the orb again? I want to see if the same thing happens as last time."

"I don't think that's a good idea Hermione. You really scared me last time." Hermione could tell Harry tensed up.

"C'mon Harry. I was fine; it just startled me. I really want to," she pleaded.

Harry looked at her pouting face and said, "Fine." Harry summoned the box. "Ok what do you want me to do?" he asked.

"I think it was when you touched the orb and then my hand as well," she said hesitantly. "Don't let go unless I look like I'm in pain or I faint," she said this very forcefully.

Harry held the orb in his right hand which caused the voices to stop and then grabbed Hermione's hand with his left hand. Immediately he could tell something was happening. Her eyes became very wide and she was staring right into his.

The same feelings as last time overcame Hermione. She was back feeling all the pain Harry had felt over his life. She also felt the immense magical power he had. She just passed the guilt he had felt the last time they had both touched the orb and then felt his heart breaking again. This time she realized it was Cho who was the cause. Then, she suddenly felt his fear and anger but couldn't tell why. This quickly passed and was replaced by extreme guilt and then rage like she'd never imagined. Just as quickly, this changed into blackness. Nothing. There were no feelings at all. At this point, she blinked and let go of Harry's hand.

"What happened? You were just starting at me for a second. Was it the same thing?" Harry asked concerned.

Hermione looked at him and could tell tears were starting to form in her eyes. "It's nothing Harry. I don't know what it was."

"That's a lie Hermione. I can tell. C'mon I got the thing out for you again. We've been working on this all summer. I want to know what it was," Harry demanded, not willing to let her get away without talking.

Hermione thought for a couple minutes and looked at Harry. She could tell how much he cared for her. "I don't know how to explain it. I saw and kind of felt all of your really bad experiences in life."

Harry looked confused. "What do you mean you saw and kind of felt?"

"I saw you get attacked as a baby. I saw you fight Quirrell and felt how scared you were. I saw you save Ginny. Everything. I saw exactly what happened with Cedric," she said with tears flowing.

Harry looked shocked and then became angry. "I told you about all of those things Hermione. You probably just flashed back to things I've said."

"No Harry that's not it. I felt your emotions. And, I saw all the parts you left out when you told us what happened."

Harry looked like that comment really hurt him. He quickly boxed up the orb and banished it back to the hiding place. "I don't feel like studying today if you don't mind. I'd rather be alone."

"No. I'm not leaving. Why didn't you tell us the whole stories? You left out quite a bit of information," Hermione demanded.

"You saw the same things last time didn't you? You just wanted another poke around in my head," Harry said angrily.

This hurt Hermione because she knew he was right. "I wasn't sure the first time. I was so overwhelmed with emotions that I fainted. I've been thinking about it ever since. I was better prepared this time. Why didn't you tell us?"

Harry finally turned and looked at her. "Because, I didn't want this. I don't want your pity. There's no reason for you to know everything that's happened to me. That's just another reason for people to act like they feel sorry for me."

"I just want to help Harry," Hermione said touching his arm.

"Why is it important to know the details? Why wasn't enough to know I had to fight Voldemort without knowing how much pain I was in and how scared I was. That's for me to deal with, nobody else."

She hugged him tightly, still crying. He couldn't stay mad and hugged her back. "I'm sorry Harry. I never imagined things had been like that. I don't know what I thought. I don't know how you handle it. You're so brave."

"Brave? Ha. You said you felt what I felt. If you really did, you wouldn't have found a single brave feeling in there. I was scared. Every time I was scared. See, now you just pity me."

"No, I promise I don't. I'm amazed how you handle it. I won't tell anyone." Hermione hugged him tighter knowing Cho was going to break his heart. She worried about what the blackness meant.

"Ok, so now you know all the details. I don't ever want to talk about them unless I bring it up, ok? And no telling this to Ron." Hermione nodded in agreement. They both sat back down in silence for a minute before Harry asked, "You only felt bad feelings, right?"

"Yes, why?" Hermione looked confused.

Harry kind of blushed and said, "Well there are things I've done that I wouldn't want you watching. And, there may have been a thought or two about you that I may not want you to know."

"Oooh. I think we should get it out again now," she joked but then became serious. "I should have told you after the first time. I'm sorry."

"Yeah, Yeah. How could I stay mad at you? You already knew more about me than anyone and now it's not even close. Just don't go writing a book or anything."

Hermione thought that Harry was right. She did know more than anyone and he seemed ok with that. Harry really felt comfortable enough with her that he was ok with her knowing his worst moments. This really made her feel very happy. She hugged him extra tight before leaving that day.

Cho came over early on Friday. "This is our last night together for a long time," she pouted.

"Are you sure you don't want to come and be a bed warmer for me?" Harry joked.

"That would be nice. I think we should just spend the rest of the time we have in bed. Surely Winky will bring us some food later," Cho said pulling Harry upstairs. They made love many more times that night and into the morning.

Harry hadn't gotten much sleep before he needed to leave to catch the train. He hugged Cho and kissed her goodbye. "Remember Harry. No 'dancing' until you come back to see me."

"I promise. You're the only one I want to dance with. You behave as well," Harry said.

"Don't worry, I will. I love you." Cho said with tears in her eyes. "I'll be planning for our wedding."

"I love you too Cho. I'll write often. See you before long," Harry said and apparated to the platform.

Harry hated leaving Cho but was really looking forward to this year at school. He was really enjoying learning things and was getting really comfortable being a wizard. He finally felt like he was fitting in and belonging someplace. Quickly boarding the train Harry found an empty compartment. It wasn't long before he saw Mrs. Weasley with Ron and Ginny outside.

Harry stepped off to great them. "My how you grown," Mrs. Weasley said while giving Harry a big hug. "We wish you would have come over more this summer."

"As unbelievable as it may sound, I've been studying a lot. I think Hermione has rubbed off on me," Harry joked. "I've got a compartment already." He quickly went back to the compartment. Ron and Ginny came soon after.

"Ginny, you've grown a bunch this summer as well. You look really nice," Harry said.

Ginny still blushed, even though she tried to say her crush on Harry was over. "Thanks, it's about time I did grow up."

"Hey. Don't be eyeing my little sister. Besides, you're engaged. What the heck did you go and do that for?" Ron said shaking his head at his friend.

"I'm not going to be the only one eyeing Ginny this year Ron. You better get used to it. And, I guess it just felt right to get engaged. You know alone on a deserted beach rolling around in the sand naked and it just happened."

Both Ron's and Ginny's eyes were huge. "Harry! Don't talk like that in front of Ginny. Tell me about it later."

"To heck with that, I want to hear it now," Ginny demanded.

Just then Hermione walked in and saved Harry. "What are you three yelling about?"

"Harry and Cho rolling around naked!" Ginny exclaimed.

"Oh yes. Mr. impulsive here. Gets a girl alone on a beach and just has to ask her to get married," Hermione laughed and poked Harry in the ribs. "I just don't know how he's going to go three months without a girl sleeping in his bed."

Ron and Ginny looked at each other. "You two seem rather friendly," Ron said sounding surprised at how Hermione talked to Harry and how well he took it.

"Well we spent most of the summer together studying. I think I'm actually going to do pretty good this year," Harry stated.

"N.E.W.T.s this year. Something else for me to dread," Ron added.

"I'm looking forward to them." Hermione stated.

"You know; so am I," Harry agreed.

Ron looked confused. "Hermione. What have you done with the real Harry?"

"It's actually been really fun. Want to see something I learned?" Harry asked. They all nodded so he went on. "Ok, you all trust me right?" they hesitated "Right?" Finally they all agreed. "Remember who is sitting next to you."

"How hard is that? Jeez Harry," Ron snorted.

Harry pointed his wand at Ron and cast the unrecognizable spell on him. Ginny kind of slid away but Ron just said "What?" Harry then did the same thing to Ginny, Hermione and himself. "Ok, now who are you sitting next to?" Harry asked.

"Whoa! This is wicked!" Ron exclaimed.

Just then the door opened and Parvati poked her head in. "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought Ron Weasley was going to be here. I don't think I've ever met you four before."

Everyone in the car except Ron was laughing. He exclaimed. "Parvati! It's me. Ron."

"Get away from me you freak," Parvati exclaimed and ran off.

Ron started to go after her but Harry quickly said, "She'll never believe you're really you Ron."

"C'mon reverse the spell; I really need to find her," Ron pleaded. Harry quickly reversed the spell on everyone and Ron ran off after Parvati.

"You really have been studying," Ginny said looking at Harry proudly.

"You'd be surprised at all the things he learned this year," Hermione added.

"I wish I could have come over and studied," Ginny moaned.

"You could have. The floo would have let you through. I think this is going to be a good year. I can just feel it. Last year was good, this summer was great and I just know this year is going to be the best," Harry said smiling.

"Of course you say that. You're getting married over the holidays," Ginny said trying to sound happy. Internally she had been upset at the news.

Harry seemed to not be so happy about that. "I really hope I can convince her to wait until next summer. I should really be out of school first. I mean we won't see each other for months and then have a couple days together before getting married. I'm not entirely comfortable about that. Don't either of you ever mention I said that though."

The two girls both promised not to mention it. "You should really talk to her about it Harry. She should be willing to wait a few more months," Hermione stated.

"You know, I think I will. What difference will a few months make?" Harry said happily.

The three of them were happily talking in their compartment when the door opened and Draco stood with his two goons. "Well, if it isn't Potty, poor girl and mudblood. If this isn't the wrong side of the tracks, I don't know what is."

"Piss off Malfoy," Ginny said quickly. Harry and Hermione both stared at her.

"That just proves my point. You know there's going to be changes this year Potter. Things will start being run like they should have been. You won't be the Ministry's favorite son much longer."

"Oh, you mean the secret dealings between Gallah and Lucius?" Harry smirked back. Draco seemed shocked Harry had said this. "You should know then that their little raid on the Unspeakables didn't get them anything. You know that no matter what happens Draco, we'll still have friends that stand by us through anything and all you'll be left with Crabbe and Goyle. Now, who chose the wrong side?"

Draco looked like he was going to explode. "You know Potter. When my father..."

Malfoy was cut off by Harry saying, "We both know what I think of your father Malfoy. The only reason you still have a father is because I won't become like him. You're nothing to me and this year is going to be different. If you bother my friends, any of my friends, I'll make you pay and no one will ever know it was me. If you want to say something to me, say it to my face or I'll hunt you down and make you pay. Things are changing Malfoy; you need to be making your final choice of sides very soon."

Draco just stared but Harry kept a small smirk on his face. Malfoy and his goons continued down the hall.

"I'm not going to put up with him this year. This is the year for us to enjoy our time here and I'm not going to let him stand in our way," Harry said happily. He looked at the two girls and said, "You know, except for Sirius and Lupin who are old, you two and Ron are my best friends in the world. I can't believe how lucky I am to have you around. Promise me they'll be no fighting this year. If I do something stupid yell at me, I won't be mad. Don't keep it bottled up. I want this year to be perfect"

"Same here," Hermione said. Leaning into Harry.

"Ok, but knowing you, you'll get yelled at a lot!" Ginny added.

"So Ginny, how bad does Ron have it for Parvati?" Harry asked.

"Oh, he's got it bad, real bad," she replied and they all laughed.

When the train arrived, Ron still hadn't returned to their compartment so the three Gryffindors exited the train together and all ran to Hagrid who was near the front of the train. "Hagrid!" Harry yelled and then hugged him. "I'm glad you're here for the start of term this year."

"Same here Harry. You two ladies are looking very nice. Where's Ron? He made it back didn't he?" Hagrid asked.

"Oh, he's with his girlfriend," Ginny said in a mocking voice.

"Well good for him. Maybe he and Hermione here won't fight so much," Hagrid joked.

"I don't intend to fight at all this year Hagrid. It's going to be perfect," Hermione replied. The three of them got into the horseless carriages for the ride to the castle. Harry felt pangs of regret about this being his last year at school. By far, the best memories of his life had been here.

They took their places at the Gryffindor table. Harry and Hermione talking about how it didn't seem that long ago they were being sorted themselves. Harry didn't pay much attention to the actual sorting and just clapped absentmindedly whenever he heard the rest of the table clap. He was looking around, trying to notice as many details about the Great Hall as he could. Ron sat next to Harry with Parvati on his other side. Harry was really happy for Ron, but a little sad that he wouldn't be spending much time with him this year. Harry knew how Ron felt since that's how he had been with Cho.

After the sorting, Professor Dumbledore made the usual announcements about the forest being off limits and then introduced the new teacher. "Now, for the first time in Hogwarts history, we are going to be adding a class that is considered dark arts." The entire hall became quiet. "This year it will only be available to seventh year students. Professor Steiger has joined us from Durmstrang to give us a hand with this class." It seemed Snape was on quite good terms with the new professor, Harry thought. Harry was surprised glad to see Mrs. Figg at the table. He wondered if this meant Snape would be back teaching Potions.

After the feast, Hermione whispered to Harry that they should talk to Professor McGonagall about their Extremely Advanced N.E.W.T. presentation. They needed special permission to do one and a private place to practice. Ron had gone for a walk with Parvati so Harry and Hermione sneaked away from Ginny and caught up to Professor McGonagall while she was on the way to her office.

"Professor McGonagall," Hermione called, "may we talk to you for a minute?"

The professor turned and said, "Of course, follow me to my office." They all sat down and she said, "What can I do for you already this year?"

Harry decided to let Hermione do the talking since this was her idea. "Professor. Harry and I want to do a joint Extremely Advanced N.E.W.T. presentation this year."

McGonagall seemed shocked. "Miss Granger. You do realize that they are extremely difficult to get and count for 10 of your N.E.W.T.s? Are you willing to have that much of your score relying on something that you do jointly with Mr. Potter? No offense Mr. Potter but these things don't normally mean much to you."

Harry was irritated but knew she was right. "I'm quite sure professor," Hermione responded immediately.

McGonagall tried to read her for a minute and said, "Very well, I will need to check with the Headmaster about this. It is very rare for a student to request this. What will your subject be?"

"Elemental Magic," Hermione said confidently.

Again, McGonagall was shocked. "Miss Granger. Surely you could pick something a bit more... um...realistic. We wouldn't teach that here and I doubt our library would have any information on it at all. I don't see how we could instruct you on this."

Hermione once again was very confident when she said, "Harry and I already have a couple books on the subject and have been reading them all summer. He and I would be helping each other on this."

McGonagall almost laughed, "Mr. Potter has been reading schoolbooks over the summer? I hope you've seen this for yourself Miss Granger. Mr. Potter are you willing to put in the required effort to make sure you don't negatively affect Miss Granger's score?"

Harry was annoyed again. "Yes Professor. I'm capable of learning when I want to. And, I know that Hermione's punishment to me would be worse than anything I've ever gotten from a professor here."

"Very well. I hope you both understand this will be a very big deal here. I can't remember the last time one was done, and I'm quite sure it wasn't on a topic such as you've chosen."

"Um. Professor. Since this topic is a bit unusual. Is there a place Harry and I could practice that is a bit more private than the common room?" Hermione asked.

"I will give you access to my classroom for two hours after supper every night. If I find either of you doing anything other than schoolwork in there, it will be revoked."

"Yes Professor, we understand," Hermione said trying to contain her excitement.

"Just so you know; if you do pull this off it will be an amazing feather in Gryffindor house's hat. I'd rather have this than the house cup this year," McGonagall said smiling.

They left and were walking back to the common room. Harry could tell Hermione was very excited about this. He stopped her before they entered. "Hermione. If you change your mind and don't think I can pull my weight, just tell me. I promise I won't be mad. I don't want to hurt your grades."

She looked at him for as second, smiled and said, "Harry. I have no doubt in my mind that you and I can do almost anything we set our minds to."

This kind of shocked him but he replied, "Sure, as long as you figure it out and tell me how to do it."

They went in and joined the rest of the Gryffindors. Everyone stayed up late talking about their summers. Harry was one of the first ones to go to bed. It was good to be here but this was when he really missed Cho. Instead of sleeping, he pulled out the book on personal security and read more about it until he fell asleep.

When he finally woke up the next morning, all the others were already gone. He had missed breakfast and found his friends sitting outside on the steps. "So, you finally decided to wake up," Hermione yelled. Harry went and sat down next to her. She had the fake Standard Spells Grade 7 on her elemental magic book. "I'm so excited about being able to try this out. You've had half the summer to practice and I'll finally get to tonight."

"Tonight? I thought we'd wait until classes actually start," said Harry, not hiding his disappointment.

"Oh no. You're not slacking off on me already. We're going to practice every day. I want people talking about what we did and not laughing about us not doing anything. So, how did you sleep without Cho in your bed?" she said poking him in the side.

"I'll have you know that I slept alone during the week quite often this summer."

"Well, I've been hearing the girls talk and I'm sure that if you need company, there would be a few who could help you out," Hermione joked.

"Hermione! You know I'm not like that. I don't mind sleeping...just sleeping with Cho. She's the one who gets annoyed if nothing happens. I don't know about you women," he replied.

"Do you miss her?"

"It's weird. I do miss her but not as much as I thought. Being back here just feels natural"

"I know what you mean. Did you really just go to sleep last night?" Hermione said with a smug look on her face.

"No, I studied one of my books. I don't know what you've done to me Hermione Granger, but I can't say I'm entirely happy about it," he replied laughing.

"What are you trying so hard to learn?"

"I really want to become invisible. I can look kind of like a ghost so far but that's it," he replied.

"That's still really good. That's very advanced magic. I wish you were practicing elemental magic though."

"What could I do in bed? I'd set something on fire."

Hermione and Harry slipped away from the others after supper and went to McGonagall's classroom to study and practice. Hermione re-read the section on elemental magic with water and wanted to try it out. Her first few attempts didn't result in anything happening. She was getting frustrated and Harry noticed this. "Hermione. I don't think this is like normal magic. Don't take this the wrong way, but sometimes you're kind of bossy." She kind of 'huffed' but Harry continued. "With normal magic, you kind of make the magic do what you want. Elemental magic feels to me more like you ask the element to do something for you. The more you want it and the more sincere you are about asking, the better things happen. Try thinking like that."

She looked at him and said, "I'll try it but I have you know, I'm not bossy." She looked at the large tub of water and tried to make some waves. She said the spell and Harry saw a small puff of mist come out of her wand and could kind of make out a ripple in the water. He went behind her and whispered, "Just concentrate on what you want the water to do. Focus on feeling like you really want waves in the water."

Hermione became very relaxed and almost hypnotized by his voice and said the spell. A much larger puff of mist came out and there were definitely waves in the water. She exclaimed, "I did it!"

"Of course you did it. I knew you could," Harry replied.

Hermione felt like she could do anything as long as Harry was with her. He gave her such confidence. She was surprised at how patient he was with her since he had already mastered the things she was trying. This was the first time he had helped to teach her something. He was working on harder things but took time to help her whenever she started to feel frustrated. She could read and re-read a section but would still have trouble with this kind of magic but hearing Harry tell her what to do made everything fit into place. Their first session passed much too quickly for Hermione.

The first day of real classes started with double potions with the Slytherins. Harry picked a table with Hermione. Ron and Parvati were right behind them. Snape strode in glaring at the Gryffindor students as usual. "This year we will be working on very potent and dangerous potions. As such, any student who so much as breathes wrong will be out of here and fail." He glared directly at Harry who didn't blink and kept staring right back. Harry had made up his mind he was going to do his best in classes but wasn't going to back down when he knew he wasn't doing anything wrong. Snape had stopped the personal attacks on Harry last year, but was still very critical of Gryffindors. The class seemed to drag on but Harry was glad he was sitting next to Hermione and not Ron who always seemed to make him laugh.

After lunch they had Defense Against the Dark Arts with Mrs. Figg. She announced they would be working more on shields, counter curses and dealing with other dark creatures including vampires. This made Harry uncomfortable since he dated a vampire for most of a year. He was thinking about that when he heard Hermione ask a question. "Professor. Why are we having to take the 'Curses Hexes and Pain Spells' class? Doesn't that fall into the Dark Arts?"

The whole class sat up and paid attention. Mrs. Figg was eyeing Hermione closely, clearly uncomfortable with answering this question. "You are correct in that particular class is associated with Dark Arts training. However just because you learn those techniques doesn't mean you approve of Dark Arts. The Minister of Education insisted on it being taught this year. I can't say I agree with that decision but since my class is defense I will be tailoring this class to responses to curses you learn in the other class."

Harry was walking out after the class when he heard, "Mr. Potter. A word please." From Mrs. Figg. He walked to her desk and when the rest of the students had gone she said, "I doubt there will be much new information for you in class this year and I don't think you would appreciate sitting through lessons on fighting vampires. If you give me your word that you will use the time studying, I will exempt you from this class. However, if I find out that you aren't using the time studying useful magic, you will be required to return and to make up any work. Do you agree?"

Harry's eyes lit up. "You mean that I don't have to come to class as long as I study some other magic?"

"That's right Mr. Potter."

"Then of course I promise. There are other things I've really wanted to study. Thank you Professor."

"Is it true that you and Miss Granger are planning to do an Extremely Advanced N.E.W.T. presentation?" Mrs. Figg asked.

"Yes Professor. I really think we can do well."

"That would be something to see. I hope you use the time wisely to prepare. You may go now."

"Thank you Professor," Harry said and ran to catch up with his friends.

Harry found them in the common room. Ron with Parvati sitting on his lap, Hermione and Ginny were sitting on the couch. He went over and sat down between Ginny and Hermione. "So, what did she want?" Ron asked.

"Oh, just some extra study stuff," Harry said not wanting to come right out and tell them.

"Right. You extra study! No way," Ron joked.

"Actually she said that since I'm already an Auror that as long as I use the time studying, I don't have to go to class anymore. I get a free period to study whatever I want," Harry said smiling.

Hermione smiled. "That makes sense. You should make good progress on our project then."

Ginny looked confused as well as Ron. "What project?"

Hermione said, "Harry and I are doing an Extremely Advanced N.E.W.T. presentation. It is worth 10 N.E.W.T. s. Professor McGonagall can't remember when the last one was done. It's going to be very difficult," she said this as if it being difficult was the best thing ever.

"And you went along with this Harry? What did she do to you over the summer?" Ron exclaimed.

"I don't know what she did but for some reason, I'm actually having fun learning this new stuff," he said smiling at her.

"So what kind of presentation are you doing?" Ginny asked.

"We're not allowed to say. It's not taught at school so we have to practice in private," Hermione said seriously.

"Well Ron and I will just have to practice things in private also," Parvati joked giving Ron a kiss.

"They don't teach those things here either," Ginny smirked.

"I wonder why the Minister of Education wanted Dark Arts to be taught here," Hermione asked causing the mood to change.

"I don't trust the guy. If Fudge leaves, I bet he takes the Minister of Magic position," Harry said. "Ron. Why doesn't your dad try for the job?"

Ron kind of got red and said, "Well, I overheard him and mum talking a while back about it. He thought he may have a chance but running a campaign like that would take a lot of money."

"I wish he would run; he'd make a great Minister," Hermione said causing both Ron and Ginny to look proud.

After supper, Hermione and Harry went to McGonagall's classroom to practice. She quickly went back to trying to make ripples in the water. Harry was going to focus on fire. They were each working on their own part and not paying much attention. "Harry! I think I've got it. Look at..." then Hermione screamed.

Harry turned and looked at her with concern but she was staring at him terrified. "What's wrong?" he asked still not sure what was wrong.

"Your arms!" she screamed.