Trials of the Heart

"We are ready," Voldemort's voice hissed. He stuck out his wrist and touched his finger to the Dark Mark stamped on the pale skin. Almost instantly, cloaked-figures appeared around him, forming a circle. "Death Eaters! Prepare yourselves for battle! As we speak, my Nagini is slithering through the halls of Hogwarts. She will disable the Anti-Apparition wards, and then we attack."

The people around the imperious man shifted. A voice came from one of the hooded figures.

"Master, I would die at your command!" This man fell to his knees at Voldemort's feet.

Voldemort raised an eyebrow. "Honestly, Avery. You would think that by now you would know how I hate suck-ups." Idly, Voldemort raised his wand. "Crucio!"

Avery's screams filled the air, and most of the other Death Eaters cringed. Watching Avery squirm, Voldemort let out an evil laugh.

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Hermione sat in the library, trying to study for the Arithmancy test the next day. Suddenly, her concentration was broken as her long-time friend Harry Potter came rushing into the library. Ignoring Madam Pince's vexed look, Harry stood up on Hermione's table and shouted,

"If I could have your attention please, everyone is to leave their things here and report to the Great Hall immediately!" Hermione stared up at him in shock as the people around her began filing out. Harry leaped off the table, grabbed her hand, and ran to the Infirmary, lavatories, and the Room of Requirement to get every out.

"Harry! What's happening?" Hermione panted, quite out of breathe.

"The Death Eaters are in Hogsmeade. They're expected any minute."

Hermione's heart gave a frightened lurch as she and Harry ran around a corner. Suddenly, Harry stopped, jerking Hermione back with him. A great big snake had just slithered from behind a statue, looking at Harry menacingly.

"Nagini," Harry spat.

"Who?" Hermione asked.

"Voldemort's snake." Hermione's eyes went wide. Harry and the snake continued the stare down until the snake made a move towards Hermione. "Oh no you don't!" Harry roared, drawing his wand. "Stupefy!" The snake was thrown backwards into a portrait of an old lady, who screamed. Harry and Hermione ignored her as they continued to the Great Hall.

Diving through the doors, Hermione put her hands on her knees and fought to catch her breath. When she finally did, she looked up. All of Hogwarts was in the huge room. She saw Ron fighting his way towards her. When he got there he clapped Harry on the back. Harry straightened up and turned to Hermione.

"Ron and I have to go find something. Stay here."

"No," Hermione said mulishly. "I'm coming with you." Ron snorted, and Harry shook his head.

"You'll stay right here until I come back for you."

"Who are you to order me around?" Hermione asked indignantly. Harry clenched his jaw, grabbed her shoulders, and propelled her away from Ron towards the wall. Hermione fought against his hands until he turned her roughly around.

"Why won't you just listen to me for once?"

"Because I won't let you run off to do some hero thing while the rest of us sit here, wondering and worrying."

"I'm not running off! Ron and I just need to get something!"

"What's so important about this something that you feel the need to keep me in the dark about it?"

Harry sighed. "I can't tell you."

"Why not?" Hermione insisted. Harry looked at her, and Hermione shivered under his gaze.

"I just can't."

Hermione's eyes filled with tears that she tried to hold back. Failing, she turned her back on Harry to keep him from seeing her. "Hermione, don't be that way," Harry pleaded, turning her around again. Upon seeing her face, his heart melted a bit, and he pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry Hermione. You know I'd tell you if I could." Hermione nodded into his chest, unable to say anything. Harry lifted her chin with his finger and tried to say something. He cleared his throat several times, and finally managed, "I'd never do anything to hurt you. I love you."

Hermione gasped and looked up. Harry looked into her eyes, trying to discern her thoughts. Even if he could, he wouldn't have been able to understand any of it. Hermione's brain was whirling. Harry loved her? How could he? And the most important of all, did she love him?