Dumbledore's Secret

[ermintrude2003]

Chapter one – Screams in the night

Harry woke up to screams. He fumbled around the room unaware of where he was. He looked at the wall opposite him and saw a Chudley Cannons poster; he was at The Burrow. Ron had woken up next to him and was saying shut up in a sleepy voice. Harry reached for his glasses on the table next to him and got up following the screams. He bumped into Mrs Weasley on the landing who was in a blind panic.

“Ginny mummy’s coming” she yelled and ran around Harry pushing him to the ground. Harry got up and followed Mrs Weasley, now also panicking. What could be happening to Ginny? He wondered. But he soon found out what the trouble was. He walked into Ginny’s room and found Fred and George cowering under the voice of Mrs Weasley.

“What do u think your doing playing pranks on her while she’s asleep? You’re her brothers you’re meant to look after her not scare her to death!”
“But we needed to test out our new ‘create a ghoul’ prank.” Replied Fred in defence.
“So u thought you’d try it out on your sister? That’s it I’ve had enough of your pranks, from tomorrow you either stop the pranks or find a new place to live, heaven knows your old enough to live on your own now!”
“Don’t you think that’s a bit harsh Molly?” Arthur Weasley was now standing in the middle of the doorway behind Harry and Ron. “Surely they deserve another chance?”
“They’ve had enough chances, now stop your pranks or else!”
“But mum how else are we supposed to test things to sell in our joke shop?” George pleaded. But Mrs Weasley gave him an evil stare and he backed off immediately. He new how badly she disapproved of their joke shop.

Lots of things had changed around the burrow in the last year. Percy had become head of the Ministry and moved out to live closer to his office. Nowadays no one heard of him at all, to Mrs Weasley’s dislike. She insisted that someone should be taking care of him. “He needs his mother” she would say whenever he couldn’t make it to dinner on Sunday. And whenever he did come to dinner she would always comment on how thin he was looking and how tired he was. But Mr Weasley couldn’t be prouder, his son the Minister of Magic! Arthur had been offered numerous promotions of course, but he had decided to stay where he was, he loved his job too much. And his work was even more important, now Voldemort was around again.
Charlie was still working with Dragons but now he was training them to fight ready for any attacks from Voldemort and his followers. Bill was working undercover for Gringotts, making sure security was at its highest, for many things had been placed in the vaults over the last few years, very valuable things.
But perhaps the biggest change of all was Ron, he had become a Head boy and Hermione was Head Girl. And they had been dating since last Christmas, just like Percy had when he was Head Boy. Ron and Hermione had been sending owls to each other every day over the summer holidays. Much to Harry’s dislike, he missed Ron, sure he saw him every day but Ron was always way up in the clouds to have any interest in Harry. Harry had been staying at the Weasley’s for a week now and they hadn’t even talked about Harry’s new role as Quidditch captain or anything. Harry had lost his best friend to Hermione, and he still had no one. Sure he had wanted to ask girls out but it always came back to Cho. She was the only one he wanted, and she had turned him down saying she still wasn’t over Cedric. Harry had never tried since, he knew she was still upset, even after all these years and he still saw it as his fault and he thought Cho saw it like that too. So Harry had left Cho and concentrated on Quidditch, and he had concentrated hard. He had won every match he played in the last 2 years, become Quidditch captain and had won the Cup for the last 2 years also. But it was still not enough he needed someone to talk to. Sirius had been a big help, after he was freed two years ago he was able to visit Harry at the Dursley’s whenever he wanted, and that was almost every day. Harry wasn’t allowed to live with him because of Mrs Figg protecting him if Voldemort came hunting. But lately Sirius had been busy helping Dumbledore and the Order of The Phoenix stopping Voldemort's plans. So now Harry was alone and scared. For the dreams of the night his parents had died were haunting him again and the night before he had woken up to his scar hurting, more than it had ever hurt before. There was no doubting it; Voldemort was more powerful than he had ever been before.

[Melody Granger]

o i like it please more

[ermintrude2003]

Chapter 2 - Meetings

The next day they went to Diagon alley, Ron and Harry had learnt to apperate over the last year. That was a fun experience; it took Harry a few times to master it, Hermione got it straight away, of course, but poor Neville managed get himself splinched. Madame Pomfrey was furious and insisted that they shouldn’t be taught it till they were older, but desperate times meant they all had to learn. Ron, Harry and Mr Weasley apperated to Diagon alley and Mrs Weasley and Ginny went by Floo Powder. They agreed to meet outside Gringotts.

Over the last year Diagon Alley had changed immensely, Knockturn alley had been closed down for safety (much to the Malfoy’s disapproval). High security was put at Gringotts, although no one was sure what that really was, but rumour had it that they had doubled the amount of dragons inside. Harry Ron and Mr Weasley arrived first and they brought ice creams while they waited for the others. In side Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour they met Hermione and her parents. Ron ran up to her at once and they spent the next 10 minutes hugging and kissing before they even noticed Harry. Finally they parted and Hermione said
“Harry, I didn’t see you there.”
“That’s because Ron was stuck to your lips” Harry thought but refrained from saying it and managed a weak smile at her.
“Nice to see you Hermione”
She walked up to him and hugged him, he hugged her back, he hadn’t realised how much he had needed a hug lately.
Then they went to Gringotts, got their money, and headed out to the shops to get their school supplies.
Harry didn’t need new robes this year he had stopped growing now. But Ron, who was 6ft 2, did, he never seemed to stop growing. And this year he could afford new ones, after Percy had given his father a rather hefty pay rise. Then they got the new books on their list.

The Monster book of Monsters volume 3
Unfogging the future, and the rest. By Cassandra Vablatsky.
Advanced Transfiguration
The Standard book of Spells Grade 7.

After they had gotten everything they returned to the Burrow, including Hermione who was catching The Hogwarts Express with them tomorrow, they had dinner in the garden amongst the Gnomes and laughed all night. Harry finally retired to his bed at 12.30 on Mrs Weasley’s orders. He laid back and thought of what his final year might be like, but he never imagined of what would be happening to him and Hogwarts soon.

p.s i dont post more until i get replies!!! hehe

[Paul]

Brilliantly written ermintrude2003. Now you've left me definately wondering what will be "happening".

A big welcome to the boards by the way.

[Shadow]

That was really cool! Please continue.

[Quicksilver]

"That's cause Ron was stuck to your lips"

Lurvy!




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Quicksilver on 2002-07-25 16:36 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Quicksilver on 2002-07-25 16:36 ]</font>

[ermintrude2003]

Chapter 3 – The Flight

After a few hours of disturbed sleep, a frantic Mrs Weasley waked Harry and the others.
“Boys we’ve overslept and you’ve missed the train to Hogwarts I’m so sorry!”
“Oh My God!” shouted Harry and Ron in unison.
“Don’t worry we’ll get you two and Hermione there somehow!”
Fred and George peered around the corner of the door, smirking at them.
“I wouldn’t like to be in your shoes when McGonnagal finds out!”
“Oh cripes” said Harry, “She’ll kill us all!”
Hermione came in in floods of tears. “I’ll be expelled, I’ve missed the last sorting I’ll ever get to see at Hogwarts!” Ron rushed to her side and took her out of the room to comfort her. Harry could still hear her howls from the kitchen.

Minutes later Harry and the others had dressed and met in the Kitchen, Mr Weasley had sent an owl to Dumbledore explaining that they would be late and that had settled Hermione down a bit. They had decided that the only way to get to Hogwarts now was to fly. They would all take the things they needed for the morning and Mrs Weasley would send the rest of their belongings on a later train to Hogsmeade. They would have to find a way to pick them up there, although Harry thought Hagrid would oblige seeing as it would give him an excuse to visit The Three Broomsticks for a Butterbeer.

So three hours late they set of to Hogwarts. Harry on his Thunderbolt, the new model of Firebolt Sirius had given him for his last birthday. Ron had his old Firebolt and Hermione one of Fred and George’s old brooms. The journey was long and they had to keep stopping to stretch their legs as they had gone numb from sitting on the brooms all day. Harry didn’t think Hermione’s broom could go on any longer, it had lost a number of twigs from its tail and it looked badly bent in the middle. Just as they reached Bristol Harry’s thoughts came true. Hermione’s broomstick split in two under her and she hurtled through the air towards the rooftops. Harry dived immediately but she was falling to fast for him, he wasn’t going to catch her in time. He looked up and saw the horror on Ron’s face, Harry pushed on forcing the broom to go further and further. He just managed to reach her and swept her into his arms before they both collided with a roof. Harry pulled on the handle as hard as he could and they shot up again, out of site.
For the rest of the journey Hermione rode with Ron on his broom, as night fell the air got colder and colder, they had pulled on all the layers they had with them and managed to stay warm enough not to loose control of their brooms through shivering.
It must have been well passed midnight when they finally reached Hogwarts; Hagrid was there to great them.
“Thought you hadn’ made it through.” Said Hagrid with tears in his eyes. “Thought I mite hav’ to go out n’ search for ya” Oh its so good to see ya again Harry. He reached out and hugged Harry tightly. Harry couldn’t breathe through his beard that covered his face and had to hold his breath. Then Professor McGonagall stormed out of the castle door.
“What time do you call this?” She said hotly. “Go on all of you get upstairs to your beds now!”
Harry Hermione and Ron started to climb the steps up to the castle, their tired legs plodding on the stone.
“Oh, and its good to see you all again” McGonagall said with a smile on her face.
Harry Ron and Hermione turned to each other and smiled; another exciting Hogwarts year had begun with a bang.

thanx 4 all ur great replies! what was the last message about though?

[Quicksilver]

Sorry. It was a funny part from your fic.
I had to correct it though.



I like Hagrid.

[ermintrude2003]

Ahhhh, got ya now!
do u want more?

[ermintrude2003]

nope sorry no more today! i havn't got ne replies. U give me replies i give u story! hahahhahhahaha!

[Shadow]

That was cool! Continue!!!

[ermintrude2003]

Chapter Four - Problems

For the next few months’ school was hard, harder then it had ever been before. This was there last year and they had a lot of studying to do before their exams later on in the year. Hermione was going spare. She had written up a revision timetable already and had stuck by it no matter what. She worked 12 hours a day and as a result her relationship with Ron had hit the rocks. She hadn’t spent anytime with him since the start of the year. But as soon as she had her first lesson she returned to her old ways of doing nothing but study all day. Ron was fuming at this, he didn’t seem to realise how much school meant to Hermione and how much she wanted to get great grades in her exam. Harry and Ron sat in the Great Hall at breakfast talking; Hermione had already eaten and was now sitting in the Library studying before class.
“I just can’t see why she wont spend time with me anymore.” Ron questioned Harry.
“Well you know what Hermione’s like everything comes second to her studies when exams are near.”
“That’s not true,” replied Ron “Look what she was like in the exams in our first year. She was still willing to help us while she was studying.”
“But Ron these exams are a lot more important than our first year ones. Hermione still loves you Ron, she’s just busy what with all her classes she has and her duties as Head Girl.”
“But I’m busy too, don’t forget I’m Head Boy. I still have time. I just wish she would make time for me too.”
“I know Ron, but just think you only have to wait a year and then you have all the time in the world to spend with Hermione.”
“Yeah your right” and Ron and Harry got up to go to their first lesson. Potions.

Everything was quiet in Hogwarts, everyone was concentrating on their schoolwork and for once Harry forgot about Voldemort and the terrors outside the castle walls. Hermione got the Daily Prophet every morning and it was usually filled with bad news, lists of countless people, including muggles, who had been killed under Voldemort's power. But over the last few weeks things had been quiet almost too quiet.

Halloween came down onto Harry, Ron and the others suddenly. It was their turn this year to handle the decorations and plans in the common room. Harry had agreed to help Ron instead of Hermione at this as she had lots of work to do. Ron was furious at this and they had been arguing over it all week.
“Head Boy and Girl always organise the Halloween parties,” insisted Ron, “You cant just change tradition, besides” he said more quietly, “it’ll give us more time to spend together.” But Hermione insisted she was too busy and that Harry would be better off helping.
But today made the argument worse. Ron and Harry had gone down to the Kitchens to see Dobby about getting some food for the party they were planning for Gryffindor at Halloween. Dobby had obliged, of course and not only did they get the party food sorted but they also left with their robe pockets full of chocolate éclairs and sticky buns. They started to make their way back to Gryffindor Tower when they turned a corner and bumped straight into Hermione who had come out of the Library. The force of Ron and Harry, who were now quite a bit bigger then Hermione, knocked the pile of textbooks out of her hands. Harry immediately bent down to help her pick them up but Ron just stood there, glowering at Hermione.
“Well Ron aren’t you going to help me pick them up?” Asked Hermione with anger in her voice.
“No I’m not,” replied Ron “You know how I feel about you studying all the time.”
“You could at least help” Hermione said, “You did bump into me”
“Well at least we’ve actually met today” and Ron walked past them treading on all Hermione’s books and putting dusty footprints all over her black robes that lay on the floor behind her.
“Hermione finished picking up her books with tears running silently down her cheeks.
“Come on Hermione” Harry said, “don’t cry he’s just a bit frustrated that’s all, its not all your fault.”
“I know it’s just that I wish he’d understand how important these exams are to me.”
“They’re important to all of us Hermione, maybe you should just work Ron into your timetable as well rather than just ignoring him. You’ll only make it worse.”
“I know, I know. Now I have to go patch things up with him.”
“Hermione you do love him don’t you?” Harry asked softly.
“Of course I do Harry, its just things have been difficult for us lately, that’s all”
“Ok Hermione, come on I’ll help you back up to the common room.” And he passed her a sticky bun from his pocket
“Thanks Harry, I don’t know what we’d all do without you.”

As Hermione walked into the common room Ron went straight upstairs to his dormitory. Hermione dropped her books and followed him. Harry thought it was best to wait downstairs so he took a set by the fire, he expected to be here for a while.
Hermione walked up the stairs and opened the door to the dormitory. Seamus was standing there in a towel; he looked at her and gave a yelp.
“Seamus leave please I want to talk to Ron.”
“But, but I’m only wearing a…”
“Leave NOW” Hermione shouted.
“Ok, ok, jeez you really are mad.” Seamus walked nervously down the stairs to wolf whistles from the crowd below. A smile crept across Harry’s face.

“Hermione I…”
“Just shut up and listen Ron.” Hermione replied aggressively. “Look I’m really sorry for the way I’ve been acting over the last few weeks.”
“Months more like” replied Ron, leaning on the fireplace.
“Ok months then. Anyway, Ron you know how important these exams are to me, I just want to work really hard and do well.
“Hermione you always do well no matter how much you study.”
“That’s not entirely true, I always work hard and then I always do well. But Ron you should have just talked to me more about what was bothering you. I can’t mind read you know!”
“Are you sure about that?” Said Ron jokingly.
“Please this is not the time to be funny Ron.”
“Hermione I have nothing to say to you, I have nothing to apologise for!”
“Ron that’s a lie and you know it, what about the way you behaved a minute ago, what about this.” And she showed him the footprints on her robe.
“I’m not apologising Hermione and that’s that.”
“Fine” said Hermione, “in that case you can call this relationship well and truly over!” And she stormed out of the dormitory and went straight to her room and climbed into bed.

Harry had seen Ron and Hermione mad at each other before but this was the worst he had ever seen. He wished that they weren’t so sure they were right and that they would just make up. He hated having to go back and forward between friends, especially now. A rift in friendship could cause problems for the future.

[Quicksilver]

*looks from Ron to hermione*

Wow, makes me glad I don't have a boyfriend!

But Bad Ronny!
*smacks Ron*

[ermintrude2003]

lol, i know i though that chapter was a bit stupid but there we go! Here's some more because u so graciously replied!

Chapter 5 – Halloween

Harry and Ron left the Halloween feast early to prepare the party in the Gryffindor common room. They raced down the halls to get there before any other Gryffindors did. They reached the portrait of the Fat Lady and Ron shouted the password,
“Smarties and chocolate.” The portrait swung open and the Fat Lady said Happy Halloween. The common room looked spectacular, Dobby and the rest of the house elves had laid out the food on large wooden tables at the end of the room and decorations hung from corner to corner. Bats flew up and down the stairs to the dormitories and Jack O Lanterns hung from the fireplace, the dancing flame making them look almost alive. Ron ran up to their dormitory and opened his trunk bringing out a large metal tin.
“What’s that?” asked Harry as he came back down the stairs.
“Dr Filibuster’s Fabulous Wet-Start, No-Heat Fireworks’. No party is complete without them!”
“Fred and George would be proud.” Exclaimed Harry as he helped Ron lay them out on a metal tray. Just then the portrait swung open and more Gryffindors climbed in.
“HAPPY HALLOWEEN!” Ron and Harry cried to their shocked audience. Harry waved his wand and music started from no-where. Everyone climbed in the common room and headed for the food and started dancing.
“Nice one Ron” said Dean and Seamus.
“Where’s Hermione?” Questioned Harry.
“Don’t care,” answered Ron
“Yes you do, I’m going to find her.”
“Fine” said Ron, “but don’t expect me to talk to her.”
“Don’t worry I don’t expect miracles” Harry called back jokingly.
“Now where could she be?” Harry thought, “of course when in doubt go to the Library!” And there she was sitting reading a book on Werewolves.
“Hermione come to the party, please.”
“Why should I no-one wants me there.”
“Of course they do, I do, and please Hermione it’s our last Halloween here, you don’t want to miss out do you?”
“Well no, ok then I’ll come” and she got up and joined Harry in returning to the party.
The party went on till well after midnight and was only eventually stopped by McGonagall who came in to say they had better be quiet as Snape was complaining he could hear them in the Dungeons.
“Typical” exclaimed Ron, “He always has to spoil things, McGonagall was gonna let us go all night!”
“Oh well it was fun while it lasted.” Replied Harry as they climbed the stairs to their dormitory.

The next few months they worked as hard as the last, exams loomed over their heads and every lesson they were reminded of them by the incredible load of revision and homework that was piled on top of them. Things between Ron and Hermione had calmed down and they were actually saying hello to each other now. But that wasn’t what was on Harry’s mind, Christmas was coming and he wanted to go and stay with Sirius and spend their first Christmas together. Also Ron and Hermione had plans to go home for Christmas. Ron was invited to Bills this year for a special dinner and Hermione was off home to see her family and to have a break from studying as Prof. McGonagall advised after seeing her revising during breakfast one morning. So Harry decided to write a letter asking Sirius if he could stay. He sat down in his usual chair in the common room and wrote:

Dear Sirius,
How are you? I’m fine, working hard towards our exams in June. Everyone else is fine too.
I was just wondering if I could stay with you for Christmas as everyone else is going home, and I really don’t want to go to the Dursley’s and I don’t fancy staying here on my own either. Please can you let me now soon?

Love Harry.

Harry put it in an envelope and ran up to the Owlery and gave it to Hedwig, who was pleased to see him for once. She nibbled his ear and then rose up out of the window flapping her giant white wings.

Harry got his reply the following morning at breakfast.

Dear Harry,
Glad to hear you’re well and working hard, I know you’ll do well. I’m fine here and also working hard although things have seemed to quiet down now Christmas is coming, thank God.
I was thrilled to hear you wanted to stay for Christmas but unfortunately I cant have you this year Harry. It’s too dangerous for you to stay with me at the moment. Maybe you could ask someone to stay with you instead. Sorry Harry I promise to send you an extra special present to make up for it.

Merry Christmas love Sirius.

“What’s the matter Harry?” asked Ron.
“Looks like I’m spending Christmas here on my own after all.”
“Oh Harry I’m sorry, why cant Sirius have you?” said Hermione.
“Its too dangerous, they don’t understand that I can look after myself now.”
“But Harry its for the best. If you want I’ll stay with you I didn’t have much planned.”
“Thanks Hermione that would be great.”
“Well I’ll stay too” said Ron.
“But what about Bill?”
“I can’t be the one to break up the three of us can I? We’ve spent the last 6 Christmases together, I’m not about to break tradition.” He said smiling at Hermione and Harry.
“Thanks Ron, I couldn’t imagine a Christmas without some Weasley’s around.”
“No problem, you can just explain to my mum though, she won’t shout at you Harry.” They all laughed at this.
“Here’s to our last Christmas at Hogwarts.” Said Harry raising his glass. Both Ron and Hermione raised theirs too.
“I wish this was a proper drink though.” Said Ron laughing, “give me some strength to face my mum.”
“So are you two making up then?”
“I guess so,” said Ron, “how about it Hermione?”
“Sure” said Hermione.
“Now that’s something to drink to,” replied Harry and they all laughed as they drunk their drinks.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ermintrude2003 on 2002-07-30 19:07 ]</font>

[Quicksilver]

“No problem, you can just explain to my mum though, she won’t shout at you Harry.”

I love it!
Good for Ron for making up.