When Harry Met Hermione

Chapter 5: The Phoenix

"Moony, one day, those two are gonna make quite a team," said Sirius, as he and Remus stood watching the sleeping Harry and Hermione, as they snuggled together in Harry's bed. "Pronglet even has his arm around Hermione the same way James used to put his arm around Lily when they slept."

"I know, Padfoot, I know," agreed Remus. "With all that happened to them today, I'm glad Harry has someone like Hermione and her parents to help us look out for him."

"Albus told me they've already bonded, as well," said Sirius. "I just hope that bloody Voldemort is gone for good and they get to live the rest of their lives in peace. I, for one, would like the opportunity to dance at their wedding."

"Padfoot, they're only eight years old so don't you go pairing them up already," chided Remus. "I hope they have a chance to live without the threat of Voldemort as much as you do, but let's give them a chance to grow up before we start planning their wedding. Besides, Minerva and Albus told me their bond was more of a sibling type bond, anyway."

"Albus told me that for now their bond was more like a sibling bond, but oft times such bonds evolve," added Sirius with a sly grin. "No one really knows what the future holds, but I personally think Harry and Hermione are going to make a grand couple some day. I promise to let nature take its course and not to interfere with their relationship, but I'd be willing to wager our traditional Marauder's bet that we'll get to dance at their wedding."

"Padfoot, you've got yourself a bet," said the smiling Remus, shaking hands with Sirius. "If we're able to dance at their wedding, albeit not with each other, I'll be more than willing to pay you our usual knut wager."

"Moony, did you see that?" asked Sirius. "They were sleeping peacefully, and, now, it looks like they might be having nightmares."

"They've formed their shield again so stay with them, and I'll get the Grangers and see if I can raise Albus on my mirror," said Remus, dashing from the room.

*****

"Daddy, Mum, Harry, what's happening?" screamed the terrified Hermione in her dreams, as, in her dreams, all around her, suddenly became completely void of light.

"I don't know," cried Harry. "Can you see anything?"

"No, I can't, and I'm really scared," said Hermione, holding Harry's hand even tighter and pulling hi closer to her.

"I'm scared too," said Harry, returning her squeeze and embrace.

*****

"Sirius, Remus told us what's happening with these two," said Ione, running into the room with Herman. "Are there any changes in their conditions?"

"I just saw them squeeze each other's hands and pull each other tighter, and I think their magical shield just got stronger, as well," said Sirius.

"Sirius, what does this all mean?" asked Herman. "Do you think they're having nightmares about blaming themselves for what happened to the Dursleys?"

"I don't know," admitted Sirius. "Hopefully, Remus can contact Albus, and he can tell us more."

"I was able to contact Albus, and he, Minerva, and Poppy will be on their way, shortly..." said Remus, entering the room.

*****

"Hermione Jane Granger and Harry James Potter, please have no fear for your spirits are now in the presence of the Founders of Hogwarts," came a deep baritone voice that to Harry and Hermione seemed to come from everywhere "I am Godric Gryffindor, and at last we are to see the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy,"

"Godric, this is but the beginning of that fulfillment," said a sweet sounding female voice. "There are four more youngsters that shall combine to with these two to become the foundation of the Phoenix, but these two young ones are to be the cornerstones."

"Yesss," came a third voice. "And, I forsssee that my vile, misssguided, worthlessss heir ssshall finally be presssented with hisss ceassselesss demissse. I forsssee at leassst another twenty that ssshall band together to asssissst the sssixxx to be known asss the Phoenixxx."

"All in good time," came yet a second pleasant sounding female voice. "First, we must combine forces with this dear pair to awaken Merlin from his long slumber. After that we may all see one another and learn more about what has transpired."

"Who are you and why is it so dark in here?" asked Harry

"What happened to us?" asked Hermione.

"Where are we and how did we get here?" asked Harry.

"Are we dead?" asked Hermione.

"Dear children, do not fear, because you are not dead," said the fourth voice. "As Godric hath stated, we are the Founders of Hogwarts, and my name is Helga Hufflepuff."

"I am Sssalazzzar Ssslytherin," added voice number three.

"I am Rowena Ravenclaw, and it would please us to no end to have you speak to us using our first names," said the first female voice.

"What about Daddy, Mum, Sirius, and Remus?" asked Hermione. "I..."

"Hermione, as a result of your bonding, you and Harry have had your spirits transported to the realm of both the living and those that have gone on," said Helga. "This is a place of no time or boundaries, so no one but the two of you shall know your spirits have been taken away."

"What for?" asked Harry.

"To begin the procccesss of bringing peaccce to thisss world by ridding it of my lassst heir, the dessspicable pessstilenccce infesssting the land of our forefathersss," said Salazar.

"Voldemort," said Harry and Hermione in unison.

"Yesss, dear ccchildren, we do indeed mean Tom Marvolo Riddle, the evil virulent diseassse known asss Lord Voldemort," acknowledged Salazar.

"But, Harry already put an end to him when he was a baby," countered Hermione.

"The ssspirit of the pessstilenccce ssstill sssurvivesss and isss abiding hisss time until conditionsss are made right for hisss return."

"Do you know where his evil spirit is and how he managed to survive?" asked Hermione.

"Dear one, this we know not, but this we know for sure; you, Harry, and a host of others are to be the ones to bring down this great scourge infesting our land," said Helga.

"How do you know our names?" asked Harry.

"And, why did you pick us" asked Hermione

"I like these two," said Rowena. "They have the ever inquisitive minds of Ravenclaws."

"Asss do I, for they posssesss the cunning of Ssslytherin, asss well," said Salazar.

"And, the loyalty of Hufflepuff," said Helga.

"However, they possess the heart of Gryffindor, and I wager that, when the time comes, both of them shall be sorted into my house," commented Godric. "But, to answer your questions, dear children; as we are of the magic born of the soul, we can now see into your minds, and it was the bond of love the two of you have now formed that hath brought you, the four of us and Merlin into this place."

"But, why's it so dark in here?" asked Harry.

"Because Merlin has yet to be awakened, for it is he that shall bring light into this place," said Godric. "Now, please hold out your wand hands and say with us the following incantation."

"Sir, Hermione and I don't know which hands are our wand hands," said Harry.

"May I suggest you hold out the hands you write with," said Rowena. "There are a few exceptions, but, for the large majority of our kind, our writing and wand hands are the same."

*****

"Sirius, Remus, what happened?" asked the frightened Ione, as, without warning, Harry raised his right hand inadvertently touching Sirius's left hand, at the same moment as Hermione raised her left unconsciously making contact with Remus's right, causing both wizards to fall to the floor.

"They both look they fell asleep the instant Harry and Hermione touched their hands," said Herman. "I think we should probably not touch any of them until Dumbledore gets here."

*****

"Hey, who turned out the lights?" exclaimed Sirius.

"I don't know, Padfoot," answered Remus. "And, I can't say like it one bit, either."

"Sirius, Remus, is that you?" asked Harry.

"Yes, Pronglet, it's me and Remus," said Sirius. "Is Hermione here with us, wherever here is, as well?"

"I'm right next to Harry, and some people calling themselves the Founders of Hogwarts are here, too..." answered Hermione.

"The Founders of Hogwarts!" shouted Remus and Sirius in unison.

"Yes, Sirius Orion Black and Remus John Lupin, we are the Founders of The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," said Godric. "I am Godric Gryffindor."

"I am Helga Hufflepuff."

"I am Sssalazzzar Ssslytherin."

"And, I am Rowena Ravenclaw."

"As I was saying before Sirius and Remus joined us, let us all hold out our wand hands, together recite the following incantation, awaken Merlin from his slumber, and he can bring light into this place," said Godric. "Now, on the count of three please repeat with us, 'Merlin thou great magician of yore, awaken this day and sleep no more;' one, two three."

*****

"Merlin, help us!" exclaimed Minerva, entering the room with Albus and Poppy.

"Albus, Minerva, please make this bed larger and place Sirius and Remus next to Harry and Hermione, and I'll examine them with my wand," said Poppy. After several tense minutes, she added, "I find nothing wrong with any of them other than they are all in a very deep enchanted sleep."

"You mean like the one Harry and Hermione were in before Herman woke them after he knocked his tea set to the floor?" asked Ione.

"Yes, this one is similar but much, much stronger, however I believe Albus is more qualified to make such an assessment," said Poppy.

"Poppy, I quite agree with your conclusions," said Albus, passing his wand over the slumbering quartet. "I do not recommend physically touching any of them, either. I have witnessed many people in the deepest of enchanted slumber, but I have never even heard of others being drawn into the enchanted sleep by the mere touch of the skin."

"So, you're saying, other than not being able to physically touch them, nothing else is wrong with them," said Herman.

"As far as we can tell, nothing else is wrong with them," said Poppy. "However, none of us has ever seen or heard of anything like this before, and, as a precaution, someone should stay with them at all times."

"Poppy, I volunteer to stay with them for the night..." said Albus.

"Oh, no you won't, Albus Dumbledore," said Minerva sternly. "You've been running non-stop for at least two days now and you need your rest. I know you're a great wizard, but, at the age of one hundred and forty-eight, even you need your sleep. I will spend the night monitoring these four, and, then if need be, tomorrow we can get Arthur, Molly, and the two eldest Weasley children to assist us."

"Albus, I concur with Minerva; return to Hogwarts and get some sleep," commanded Poppy. "So, be off with you, and we don't want to see you here for at least another nine hours."

"Dear ladies, I succumb to your wishes," said Albus. "Drs. Granger, take care and I shall see you in another nine hours." .

"Have a good night's sleep," said Herman, as Albus exited the room

"Is he really almost one hundred fifty years old?" asked Ione, after Albus strode from the room.

"Yes, he is, and it would serve him well if he remembered it, too," said Minerva.

"Amazing," said Herman. "He looks younger than my father, and Dad just turned sixty-four last spring. Minerva, allow me to get you a chair to sit in for the night."

"There's no need for that, Dr. Granger," said Minerva, conjuring a desk and a plush office chair. "I can use the time to catch up on my correspondence and lesson plans for the upcoming school year. You and your wife may retire for the evening, and I'll alert you if there's any change whatsoever."

"Thank-you for your help," said Ione, hugging the two witches. "We really appreciate all the help you've given us, and we look forward to getting to know you better."

"Yes, indeed," added. Herman. "Good evening and we'll see you in the morning."

"Good evening to you, as well, Drs. Granger," said Minerva.

"Minerva, the Grangers certainly have accepted our presence much better than most Muggles do," commented Poppy, after Herman and Ione had exited the room.

"Yes, Poppy, they have indeed," said Minerva. "They truly love Hermione very much and are much relieved to know their daughter and her abilities are not alone in this world; which is a far cry from Lily's late sister and her family. I was saddened to hear of the Dursleys' passing, but I am so glad Harry now has someone like the Grangers to help us take care of his needs. Additionally, I'm quite certain Remus, Sirius, Hagrid, and the Weasleys are going to help young Harry, as well. Now, why don't you return to Hogwarts, yourself? I can handle things here for the night, and you or Albus can relieve me in the morning."

"Thank-you Minerva," said Poppy. "I'll return with Albus in the morning to check in on them. Hopefully, they'll be fully awake by then with a grand tale to tell us all about."

*****

"At last the day of my awakening has come and I shall now bring some light into this place," said Merlin. "Lumos, welcome one and all to my eternal place of rest."

"Wow, oh my," said Harry and Hermione.

"Are you really Merlin and the Hogwarts Founders, or am I just having a really good dream?" asked Sirius.

"Sirius Orion Black, Remus John Lupin, Hermione Jane Granger, and Harry James Potter, I am indeed Merlin, however of the other four I know not," answered Merlin.

"I am Helga Hufflepuff."

"I am Sssalazzzar Ssslytherin."

"I am Rowena Ravenclaw."

"I am Godric Gryffindor, and together we are the Founders The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," said Godric, stepping forward. "Just after midnight, on August 8, 988, we discovered your writings hidden in a cave next to beautiful lake at the edge of a vast magical forest, and it was upon this site we founded our school."

"I thought Salazar Slytherin had it out with the other founders and parted company with them," said Sirius.

"You are partttially correct, Sssiriusss Black," said Salazar. "All went quite well in our ssschool until the fateful day I chossse to part waysss with my mossst esssteemed colleaguesss. In my foolisssh sssuperccciliousss desssire to keep thingsss magical among only thossse I referred to asss the mossst pure of magical blood, I let my conccceit and arroganccce ssstand in the way of sssound judgment. Numerousss wasssted yearsss later, when on my death bed I finally sssaw the error of my waysss, Godric, Helga, and Rowena, my dearessst of friendsss, performed the charm that enabled my sssoul to peacccfully ressst until the time the onesss to fulfill the ancccient prophecccy were to sssummon usss to Merlin'sss fortresss of sssolitude."

"After Salazar's passing we discovered a way for the souls of the remaining Founders to rest peacefully until the ones fulfilling the prophecy summoned us, as well," said Rowena.

"And, it was the bond of love that these two splendid youngsters have formed that brought the four of us to this place," said Helga.

"Excellent," said Merlin.

"However, the manner in which Remus and Sirius were summoned is a mystery to us," said Godric.

"I vaguely remember Harry and Hermione reaching up to touch us, and the next thing I knew it was blacker than night..." commented Remus.

"Yeah," interrupted Sirius. "I thought I was back in Azkaban, until I heard Harry's voice."

"Sirius and Remus, you were brought here because the ones spoken of in the prophecy have the ability to summon others, both living and passed on, into this fortress of solitude," said Merlin.

"You mean we could summon my parents," said Harry.

"Say the word arcesso followed by their birth names, and you, as their heir, may summon them but for how long I know not," said Merlin.

"Arcesso James Hans Potter and Lily Rose Evans," said Harry.

"My angel boy, listen carefully, for we have but a few moments," said a beautiful auburn haired witch, appearing before them with a tall handsome wizard with unruly black hair and glasses.

"Our son, each year on the anniversary of our passing, you may summon our spirits for one minute for each year since our passing," said the wizard, fading from view with the witch.

"Mum, Dad, don't leave," said Harry, starting to weep.

"Harry, I'm so sorry," said Hermione, hugging him tightly. "But, your dad said you could see them again each year on the anniversary of their passing."

"Young Harry, Hermione is quite correct," said Merlin. "What your parents spoke of shall come to pass, and I assure you, you shall see them again."

"Thank-you, sir," said Harry.

"Lad, you are most welcome," replied the beaming Merlin. "At this time I wish to explain further of the prophecy given of me in 488. During my travels of the northern highlands in the summer of 488, I had perhaps my most profound vision in which I received a great prophecy. After recording and preserving this prophecy in my journal of visions, I hid this journal and the whole of my writings in a cave at the edge of the most beautiful loch I had ever looked upon. A few weeks later, just after midnight, on August 8, 488, I was imprisoned; with spells I had created, inside an enchanted oak tree at the hand of the Lady of the Lake, of whom I had foolishly pledged my undying love..."

"I remember from the clock in the Granger's hall that it's just after midnight, on August 8, 1988, and you were imprisoned 1500 years ago, this very day," commented Remus.

"Additionally, as Godric has already stated, it was just after midnight on this date in the year 988 that the four of us discovered the writings of Merlin," said Rowena. "It was from the knowledge we read of in these writings that we were upon our deaths able to implant pieces of our souls so the ones of which Merlin prophesized could summon us to this place."

"Most intriguing," said Merlin, scratching his long white beard. "Just after midnight on August 8 is perhaps a date and time

of great importance. I wonder if anything of significance occurred just after midnight on August 8, 1488 and such things are to occur every five hundred years."

"Sir, maybe there's something written in a book entitled Hogwarts a History about that date," suggested Hermione. "Anyway, I've been wondering, how is it that Harry, Sirius, Remus, and I can understand you and the Founders? The English we speak today bears little resemblance to your English, and we shouldn't be able to understand most of what you're saying at all."

"Ah, wonderful, we have a young scholar in our midst," said Merlin, beaming from ear to ear. "Dear child, when I formed this place, I placed a powerful translation charm on this realm, and that is why we can understand one another. Later on, we'll have more time to discuss such matters, however I deem it is now time for us to hear and discuss the prophecy I recorded not long before my captivity at the hands of one I cherished dearly. As I cannot recall the exact words given to me, I would ask for one of the Founders to read the Prophecy aloud."

"Rowena, you are the keeper of the Prophecy, please read of it to us," said Godric.

"Thank-you, Godric, my friend," said Rowena. Smiling warmly, she began to read:

"In the time when in our land the worst of all evil shall infest;

Shall come the Phoenix against that which we most detest.

For, on the most wicked of days, the malevolence of all evil shall of the Emerald his equal mark,

Who shall forever more bring the vengeance born of sorrow to all that follow the ways of the dark."

Born within a day of the Gold, the Emerald shall the protection purchased by the sacrifice of love be freely given,

So, that, on the greatest of all days, the evil one from among us shall be forever driven.

From an early age the Emerald's boundless magic shall bring forth from sleep,

The magic that forever more, the ones from the Bronze shall keep.

For, in this time of great sorrow the heart, the Emerald shall with the Bronze unite,

To endow them with measureless magical power that shall send the evil one to flight."

Led by the power of which none other shall stand above,

Formed from the greatest of all bonds, the bond formed with love.

"Does that means the magic of the Emerald will wake up the lost magic of the Bronze?" asked Hermione.

"Yesss, lasssie it doesss, or, ssshall I sssay, it already hasss," said Salazar. "For, we believe it wasss at an early age that your sssleeping magic wasss awakened by the magic of the lad ssstanding at your ssside."

"How's that possible, cause we never even saw each other before yesterday morning?" queried Harry.

"Harry, you and Hermione first met each other before your parents were taken from you," said Helga. "Yesterday morning you witnessed the manifestation of this meeting, but I assure you the time you first shared your magic was not yesterday."

"Do you know when and where that was?" asked Hermione.

"No, dear child, that we know not, but we strongly believe you shall soon find your answers," said Godric. "Rowena, please continue."

"Of the Phoenix, the Emerald and Bronze shall the cornerstones compose,

And, along with the Scarlet, Silver, Gold, and Crimson, their foundation none shall oppose.

The Emerald, the possessor of great courage, leadership, and loyalty, shall be a replicator and augmenter of magic.

The Bronze, the possessor of great courage, scholarship, wisdom, and justice, shall be a conduit of magic.

The Scarlet the possessor great courage, strategy, sight, and strength, shall be sixth in the line of seven.

The Silver the possessor of great courage, revelation, insight, and imagination, shall with the Crimson bond and shall witness the passing on of one held close to the heart.

The Gold the possessor of great courage, loyalty, humility, and perseverance, shall witness the loss of mind of ones held most dear.

The Crimson the possessor of great courage, healing, and spirit, shall be seventh of seven in the line of the Scarlet, shall be the first in time out of mind, and shall with the Gold bond.

Of the Phoenix shall come many more together in love,

The Great White shall be of great order and the keeper of secrets.

The Feline shall be a great mentor to the young.

The Canine shall be compater to the Emerald.

The Chameleon shall have many faces and be a master of concealment.

The Lesser Light shall be a victim of bigotry and injustice.

The Lady of Sorrow shall have the gift of magic awakened by the emerald phoenix.

The Prime Protector shall be, of great stature, falsely accused, given new light, and the Guardian of the Phoenix.

The Magnifique Madame shall be, of great stature, a mentor to the young, and of a land across the water.

One subjugated shall be freed by the Emerald and be of great devotion.

Another subjugated shall be freed by the Bronze Phoenix and of great loyalty.

The Long-Suffering shall be Patriarch of the Scarlet and Crimson.

The Madonna shall be Matriarch of the Scarlet and Crimson.

The First of the Scarlet and Crimson shall be a breaker of curses.

The Second of the Scarlet and Crimson shall be a caretaker of dragons.

The Third of the Scarlet and Crimson shall be a keeper of detail.

The Fourth and Fifth of the Scarlet and Crimson shall be makers of merriment and innovation.

"Wow, that's a lot of people," said Harry. "I wonder if the canine might be Sirius, because he can turn himself into a dog."

"Compater is Latin for godfather, and Sirius is your godfather," added Remus

"If my godson's really the Emerald, then you can bloody well believe I'll be right beside him every step of the way," said Sirius.

"And, I'll be there along with Hagrid, Dumbledore, Minerva, and a whole host of others, as well," said Remus.

"Remus, the moon is called the lesser light, and Sirius does call you Moony," added Hermione. "Maybe you're the Lesser Light."

"I'll be more than honored if I am," said Remus.

"Scarlet and Crimson are words for red and a patriarch and a matriarch are a father and mother..." said Hermione.

"The Weasleys!" gasped Harry. "They all have red hair, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are a dad and mum with seven kids."

"Ron and Ginny are the sixth and seventh of seven children and Ginny told me yesterday that she was the first female Weasley born in who knows how many generations!" exclaimed Hermione.

"The Emerald and Bronze have the ability to summon the spirits of others unto this place, so Harry and Hermione please indulge us and try to summon your red haired friends to this place," instructed Merlin.

"Ah, sir, how can we do that?" asked Harry.

"The two of you are already grasping each other's non-wand hands so simply raise your wand hands and say in unison, 'arcesso the line of the Scarlet and Crimson Phoenix,'" instructed Merlin. "If your friends are as you have speculated, their spirits will be summoned to this place."

"Hermione, let's give it a go," said Harry.

"Okay, but, if we can summon the Weasleys, somebody should get ready to explain things to them," suggested Hermione.

"Excellent thinking, dear lassie," said Merlin. "If your friends are summoned as I believe they shall be, I will cast the Percipio Charm as soon as they appear and they shall know everything that has transpired in this place. Now, dear lad and lassie please see if you can summon your friends."