Chapter 23

Tracey and Hermione sat in the Room of Requirement alone, working through a large pile of books that the Room had provided them. After two days, with very little to show for it, the two girls were beginning to become aggravated.

"This is hopeless." Hermione cried as she flung a book across the room. She immediately felt bad for abusing the tome, but her own frustrations was affecting her judgment. She was becoming more and more agitated each day.

"I think you're right. There's just nothing conclusive on death or love. Just a lot of theories and shite." Tracey groaned, shutting a thick book with a heavy slam.

Hermione turned to give Tracey a disproving look. Tracey merely shrugged.

"Loosen up, Granger. Sometimes a curse word is the only one that fits." Tracey smiled.

"It doesn't help our cause. How can we even ask Harry to attempt this if we can't back it up with fact. I'm asking him to risk his life because I believe there's a chance he'll be ok."

"Maybe belief is all we need." Tracey said as she stretched her back, feeling the muscles loosen a bit. "You've got to relax a bit. Let off some steam."

"I don't know how." Hermione said, feeling ashamed. "I've always been wound a little tighter than most. The only thing that relaxes me is reading, and right now that's the last thing I want to do."

"You're telling me that when you and Ron were together you didn't feel relaxed after a good snog?" Tracey prodded.

Hermione felt her face flush, and she tried to change the topic, but Tracey wouldn't allow it to happen.

"Come on, Hermione, it's just us girls here. Tell me truthfully, did you or did you not feel really good after a nice long snog?" Tracey pushed.

"OK! Fine, yes." Hermione hissed irritably. "When we first started dating, yes, it was very enjoyable. But then it became almost like a duty. That's when it stopped."

"Have you two talked since the break up?" Tracey queried.

"Yeah. We both felt that it was silly for us to get together. It was safe and all that. But that's also why it didn't work out. We just don't fit tether as lovers. But I'd never give up the friendship we have."

"Is there anyone other than Harry you fancy?"

"How do you know that?" Hermione looked shocked. "Did Daphne say something to you?"

"No." Tracey chuckled. "You just confirmed something I've believed for a long time. There's nothing wrong with it. I'd bet that if it hadn't been for Daphne, you two would be together. But since that can't happen, is there anyone else? Anyone who makes you shiver when they walk past, or who at least strikes you as snoggable?"

"Are you always this crass?" Hermione asked, feeling her cheeks redden a bit.

"Usually." Tracey shrugged.

"I don't know. There are a few good looking guys, but I just don't know them. Looks aren't everything, you know."

"I agree." Tracey smiled. "A bloke needs to know how to treat a lady. He needs to know how to touch me, not just my chest, but my mind as well."

"Most guys just want to touch your chest, or get into your knickers." Hermione huffed, feeling a bit anxious about her small bust.

"True. But there are the precious few who are worth the time it takes to train them up. For instance, Ron. Sure he's got anger issues, but it's because of his home. He's got six older brothers, and I know from my own experiences that older brothers LOVE to pick on their younger siblings. So, Ron's got a lot of self-doubt because of it. You simply have to watch his performance of the Quidditch pitch to see that."

"Ok, I'm following you." Hermione nodded for Tracey to continue.

"I knew when you guys were done before anyone. It was in how he looked at you. When you two got together, he looked at you so fondly. He smiled so tenderly whenever you were together, but it faded."

Hermione looked a little sad at Tracey's observation. Tracey reached out and took her hand comfortingly.

"But there's someone else who's looked at you like a lovesick puppy for about three years now. I'm really surprised you never noticed it."

Hermione's eyes opened wide in disbelief. "What are you talking about?"

Tracey took her hand away and opened a new book. Hermione stared at her for a long moment, while she began scanning pages.

"Tracey, this isn't funny." Hermione shouted, slamming her hands on the table. "Who is it?"

"I don't think I should tell you. I mean, it might embarrass him, and he seems like a very sweet bloke."

"Tracey, I'm asking one last time, and then I'm going to hex you into next week!" Hermione said, reaching for her wand.

""Boy, if I had a Knut for every time I heard that…"

"TRACEY!"

"What is going on in here?" Daphne asked as she entered the room.

"There you are. Finally decide to come help us?" Tracey smiled mischievously. "We've been at it for two hours now."

"Sorry if I wanted to drag out my breakfast with my boyfriend." Daphne looked affronted.

"Did the boys go flying again?" Tracey asked, giggling at Hermione's growing agitation.

"no, they're homework's piling up a bit and they thought it might be good to ease their burden a bit. Are you going to tell me why Hermione looks ready to kill you?" Daphne asked, motioning to Hermione whose face was red, and who was beginning to hex Tracey.

"Whoa!" Tracey said, noticing that Hermione had her wand out, and holding her hands up in surrender. "Ok, I was just having you on. I was just telling Hermione about that boy who's always watching her. You know the one, who looks so sad when she walks out of the Great Hall with Harry and Ron?"

"Longbottom?" Daphne asked, trying to remember if there was anyone else Tracey pointed out. Daphne had learned years ago that Tracey was amazingly observant, and she had an uncanny ability to read people. Daphne often wondered if Tracey were empathic.

"Neville?" Hermione asked, looking gob smacked.

"He's had a thing for you since the end of second year." Tracey nodded. "It's gotten worse for him. He looked really sad the whole time you and Ron were together. Does he even have any friends?"

Hermione thought about Neville for several moments, trying to recall if he hung out with anyone exclusively.

"He has friends, but I don't think he's close to anyone." Hermione said, feeling a bit sad for the round faced boy. "He really likes me?"

"I don't know if he REALLY likes you, I've never actually asked him. I just see how he looks at you. I'd give both arms to have a boy look at me like that." Tracey smiled serenely.

"Maybe if you stopped jumping on them all…" Daphne said softly.

"I heard that!" Tracey pointed an accusing finger at her blonde friend. "Watch him, see if you don't see how he looks at you at meal times, or in class. You're the standard by which he measures other girls against."

"Ok, now you're taking the mickey out of me." Hermione said, getting annoyed.

"Am I? Hermione, you've been kind of blind to a lot of things. There are more than a few boys who'd like to get into your knickers. Despite what you might think, you are really cute, and the boys have noticed. The trouble is you've got two very protective blokes around you all the time, and it intimidates other boys."

Hermione looked completely stunned to hear all of this. She felt ashamed for not noticing Neville, and being a better friend to him over the years. She also felt a bit embarrassed hearing Tracey compliment her.

"So what should I do?" Hermione asked softly, her voice just above a whisper.

"Take your time, and figure out what you want." Daphne answered. "There's a lot of boys out there, and while a good majority of them will never measure up to Harry, some might even surpass him, and they could be right in front of you."

"That's sound advice." Tracey grinned, reaching out to give Hermione's hand a squeeze. "Which brings us to a question. Since we're on the topic of boys, I was curious how you'd feel if I made a play for Ron?"

Hermione nearly choked, and Daphne had to pat her on the back a few times.

"You fancy Ron?" Hermione gasped, wiping at tears.

"I don't know why, I don't usually fancy gingers, but something about him as me … well, I don't wish to be crass, again, but you get the picture."

Hermione felt like she was going mental. In the past few moments she had learned that Neville Longbottom potentially harbored a secret love for her, and that Tracey Davis fancied one of her best friends, and ex-boyfriend.

"I don't know what to say to this?" Hermione looked between her two girl friends.

"If you feel funny about it, I'll back off. You're my friend and I wouldn't want to do anything to foul it up. That's why I'm asking you before I do anything." Tracey said, her face showing her sincerity.

"Can I think about it?"

"Of course. I'm sorry to bring it up like that, but I just wanted you to know that I think I might like a chance with him."

Hermione nodded, waving off any further explanations. _

"I was right." Dumbledore wheezed triumphantly as Snape finished his tale on all that had happened at Malfoy Manor.

"How do we get it?" Professor McGonagall asked, ignoring Dumbledore's tirade. "the goblin's are not just going to allow us to enter that vault and take whatever we please."

"No, they most certainly will not." Snape said sipping his tea, still trying to calm his frazzled nerves. He'd only just returned from witnessing the violent death of Peter Pettigrew.

"No they will not just allow it, that is why I have procured help for us. I am confident we will have the cup in our possession by tomorrow evening." Dumbledore said with an air of conceit.

"Help? What kind of help?" McGonagall asked incredulously.

"That isn't important right now. What is important is that once we have destroyed it, we will have to lure Lord Voldemort into the open. We must not waste anytime." Dumbledore gave a them both a strong look of determination.

"What do you propose?" McGonagall asked, feeling she already knew tha answer.

"I think we may just have the perfect situation. We allow Voldemort to learn that Harry is to be visiting the Ministry of Magic, though we leave out the reason for his visit."

"You just don't give up, do you?" McGonagall hissed. "You're still hoping that you can some how accomplish you're goal of sacrificing that poor boy."

"If you mean I still believe that Harry must be killed by Lord Voldemort for this all to be truly finished, then yes. However, I am also aware that only Harry will be able to lure the Dark Lord out of hiding. Severus will never have a chance to kill him any other way. If we do it this way, we can have several people in place ready to end this war."

"As much as I hate to admit this, it seems there is very little choice." Snape said grimly.

"Yes we do." McGonagall shouted, standing from her seat and glaring at the two men. "That boy has been through quite enough. I am not going to stand by and let the two of you conspire to get him killed."

"Minerva." Snape held up his hands, trying to calm the Scottish woman down. "I am not going to put Harry in harm's way. I'm simply agreeing that we must make the Dark Lord believe Harry is out in the open. Luring him to a place of our choosing will give us the greatest advantage. It will not be easy. The Dark lord will be very suspicious, and is unlikely to come alone."

"And that is where we must be most adamant about. We must do everything to keep the odds in our favor." Dumbledore wheezed, clutching at his chest.

"Albus?" McGonagall asked tentatively.

"I am fine." Dumbledore waved her off. McGonagall eyed him for a moment, but didn't push the matter. Dumbledore's health was deteriorating quickly now, and he wished to see the war end before he passed on to the next world..

"It would be advantageous if we could make him believe that Harry must be faced alone. Voldemort's own fear of being made a fool, or showing any weakness in front of his followers will help us to that end."

"You want to use the prophecy." Snape looked surprised.

"A slightly reworded prophecy, yes. Severus you will report to him that I have died, and upon my death, you have learned the full prophecy. Then we will arrange for Harry to go to the Ministry. It is important that he be seen by Voldemort for our ruse to work."

"No." McGonagall said vehemently. "Pick somewhere else. There is too much risk that others will be harmed. As for young Harry, we'll use Polyjuice on someone, so the boy will never be at risk."

"We can get Kingsley, or someone who will be able to defend themselves." Snape concurred. "there is no need for Harry to actually be present. But the Ministry is not a bad location. We can make the Dark Lord believe he is being escorted there to gain new protection. The Dark Lord is quite aware of how he's been protected by you, Albus. With your death, most of those protections will fade. With the public believing him to be this Chosen One, the Ministry will at least want to appear to be involved in protecting the boy."

"Very sound reasoning." McGonagall nodded.

"Very well." Dumbledore sighed. "Now, if you would both excuse me, I am very tired. I think a good rest is in order."

Bothe Snape and McGonagall nodded and bid the Headmaster good bye. They walked out of the infirmary in silence which wasn't broken until they were outside, with the door shut behind them.

"He gave up that fight too easily." Snape said.

"I felt that as well. Do you believe he will betray us?" McGonagall asked.

"I think it would be very wise to destroy this last Horcrux and get Potter through the veil and out of this country as soon as possible." Snape glowered. "Dumbledore will do what he believes is necessary in order to finish things his way."

"I believe you are right. I will speak with Harry and his friends this evening, and we will begin making arrangements." McGonagall sighed.

"We must not allow Dumbledore to know anything more about it, or he will use it to his advantage."

Dumbledore had very little time left to accomplish his goal. After Snape and McGonagall left him, he wrote a letter with instructions, and sent them with his beloved phoenix. After the bird disappeared, Dumbledore then settled back into his bed. He knew he wouldn't have long to wait, and they were so close to finally ending all the fear and death the world had been enduring.

He closed his eyes and concentrated on breathing, which was becoming more and more difficult with each passing day. Still, he refused to shuck off this mortal coil until he saw the end of Lord Voldemort.

His plan was sound, all he had to do now was wait. Within the week, it would all be over, of that Dumbledore was sure.

There was a brilliant flash, and Fawkes had returned with his reply. Dumbledore scanned the letter, and smiled. He had entrusted a task to the one person he knew would accomplish it without questioning his sanity, or his motives.

Dumbledore lay back now and shut his eyes to rest. There was nothing more to do until the cup was delivered to him, and then, he would have to set his new plan in motion.

With a great sigh, a single tear fell from his eyes. He knew that he was right, and he would leave this world, knowing he had saved the world, though the world would never forgive him for his actions. With a heavy heart Albus Dumbledore knew what had to be done, and was more than willing to be labeled a monster for the good of the world.

Daphne and Harry were walking hand in hand near the Black lake. They had begun taking strolls after dinner each evening. Most nights they ended up in the Room of Requirement where they would inevitably end up sipping hot chocolate while discussing various topics, most bordering on the macabre, or occasionally snogging each other until neither could see straight.

"You've been rather quiet." Daphne said as she gave her boyfriend's hand a gentle squeeze. "Do you want to talk about what's on your mind, or are we going to keep pretending that nothing's wrong?"

"You know what's wrong. I've been trying to put on a brave front, but I'm…" Harry couldn't meet Daphne's eyes as he spoke.

"Harry." Daphne said firmly, tucking a finger under his chin, and raising his head so he was staring into her warm brown eyes. "It's ok. We're all scared right now. You have more right than the rest of us to be."

"I don't want be. I want so much to believe that this will all work out, and you and I will get a fairytale ending." Harry gave a half smirk as he said this, which made Daphne chuckle. She reached up on her tip toes, and gave him a quick peck on his lips.

"Can we just pretend there's not all this stuff looming over us for the rest of the night?" She asked, giving him a look that made his heart pound in his chest. He smiled and nodded, taking her in his arms and holding her tightly for a few moments.

"What would you like to do?" He asked her.

"I want to spend a nice evening with you, and talk about the future. I want to know how you plan on supporting your future wife, and where we're going to live. I want to envision our life with you tonight." She smiled softly, caressing his cheek softly.

"I think I'd like to leave England." he said as he took her hand and they began walking again.

"Leave? Why?" Daphne looked confused.

"I'd like to go someplace where I'm not ogled whenever I go out in public. Where people aren't trying to get pictures or autographs or anything like that. I'd like a quiet life." Harry said wistfully.

"That actually doesn't sound terrible. Was there anyplace in particular?" Daphne asked, trying to picture it all in her mind.

"Italy? France? America? Someplace near the coast, I think. With a house on a bluff so we could watch the sunset on the ocean."

"French countryside. We could grow grapes. Maybe start a little winery and sell it to muggles. My father loves French wine."

"So long as it's quiet, and far away from all this." Harry motioned out with his hands. "Just you and me."

"Our friends could visit, right?" Daphne looked up at Harry who smiled brightly.

"Of course. We'd have dinners at least once a month so we could keep in touch with everyone. I just want to be out of the spotlight, not disappear altogether."

"It all sounds really nice. But what would we do for money?" Daphne asked.

"I don't know what all my parents left me, but I'm sure we'd figure something out. You once told me you'd like to open an apothecary. I'm sure we could do that."

"What about you? What would you do?" Daphne stopped walking, halting him in the process. "You told me you wanted to be an Auror."

"Not anymore." Harry shook his head slowly. "I've had enough dark wizards for one life. I've not really thought about it to much. I guess I should, but I just can't. Maybe it's a mental block. Like my brain is telling me to wait and see what happens before I start thinking too far ahead."

Daphne nodded her understanding, and they began walking again.

"Well, whatever you choose, I hope it will allow for plenty of time with your family. I'm not raising our children alone, mister Potter."

Harry didn't miss the playful smirk on his girlfriend's face.

"Children?" He cocked an eyebrow.

"At least two, but I'm not opposed to more." She said matter of factly.

"How many more?" Harry asked a little worriedly.

"Upwards of four. Anymore than that and you're just going to have problems." Daphne said smugly.

"Four?" Harry asked with a bit of humor.

"Oh yes. The first one we'll conceive during our month long honeymoon in the tropics. I've always wanted to go to the Caribbean, and my aunt tells me there is the most wonderful beaches. We can get a bungalow on our own private beach, and run naked through the surf.

Harry gulped hard as he pictured Daphne running sans clothing on a warm beach at sunset. He tugged at his collar which seem to be constricting a bit.

Daphne hadn't missed any of Harry's growing discomfort, and decided to push a little more.

"I expect you'll be very good at making sure every inch of my skin is properly protected against sunburn. You'll have to rub lotion on me at least every half hour or so." She smirked.

"Uh huh." Harry managed to squeak.

"Can you just picture us alone on some private beach? Waking up each morning, our naked bodies still pressed together from the previous night's love making?"

"Alright! Enough. I'm only male, and I'm going to have difficulty standing up straight if you don't stop." Harry moaned. Daphne gave a small laugh and took his face in her hands to kiss him soundly.

"You are absolutely adorable when you're all flustered like that, my dear one." She grinned.

"And you're vile for torturing a bloke like that. You shouldn't do that to me." Harry tried to grin, but could only grimace. His body had reacted typically at her descriptions, and he was finding it difficult to stand properly.

"Harry, my love. I'm just trying to tell you what awaits you in your future." She smiled. "Now, I think it's time you take me someplace quiet, warm, and comfortable, and show me how much you want those things to become real."

Daphne shrieked in mirth as Harry hafted her in his arms and practically sprinted towards the castle.

She couldn't help it. She'd been watching him carefully ever since lunch time. She hadn't wanted to. She wanted desperately to believe that Tracey was having her on. Making fun of her or something. Perhaps playing some sort of sick prank.

But it had been true. Hermione had seen it with her own eyes now. At first she thought she was mistaken, as He'd turned his head away when he'd caught her looking back at him. He r looked up at her again during lunch.

She'd been a bit re subtle at dinner, and with Tracey's help, she'd seen Neville watching her three times. And now, as she struggle to concentrate on her homework, she noticed him sitting across the room and occasionally glancing in her direction.

She had been thinking about everything Tracey had said to her earlier, and she wondered when exactly Neville had begun to fancy her, or when he had begun looking at her the way he was at that very moment.

She began thinking about Neville seriously. He was turning into quite a handsome looking man. He'd be more attractive if he could be a little more confident in himself, she reasoned. He was very intelligent, she knew that for fact. Were it not for the constant berating by Snape, Neville would be one of the top in potions, because he understood much about herbology, which was essential in truly understanding potions.

And most of all, he was a very good friend, even risking his own life to help Harry in the Department of Mysteries last year.

That thought made Hermione sick. She realized that she'd bare spoken to him at all this year. He was just as alone as he'd always seemed to be. Hermione knew Neville had friends, she'd seen him hanging out with a few Hufflepuffs, or sometimes tagging along with Dean and Seamus. But he didn't have anyone he was really close to. And according to Tracey, he liked her.

Neville fancied Hermione.

She still couldn't get her head around the idea that someone might actually truly feel something beyond friendship for her.

What was more, was that she began to wonder if she might feel something for Neville in return. She was frightened that she might be projecting her feelings for Harry onto Neville, but she quickly dismissed that idea. If that were the case, she and Ron might have lasted longer. She would have done the same thing to her ginger haired friend, and their relationship would have been quite a bit different.

No, she was examining the idea of her and Neville with an open mind and open heart. Neville was strong, stronger than most people realized. He was kind, and very sweet. According to Ginny, Neville was an amazing dancer as well.

Maybe there could be something there.

Hermione looked up at him, just as he turned his own eyes back to his homework. She smiled softly to herself as she thought of Neville stealing glances at her, loving her from a distance. Maybe he was worth her time. Maybe she should just stand up and go to him, take him by the hand and ask him…

"Neville?"

Neville Longbottom looked up, and felt his face burn red. His throat seem to close tightly as he stared into her almond eyes. He stuttered for a moment, and finally was able to get his mouth to cooperate with his brain.

"Do you have a moment? I'd like to talk to you about something." Hermione smiled shyly.