Harry Potter and the Fight For Freedom

The news of the six escaped Death Eaters spread like wild fire through the school that day. It seemed bigger news than when Sirius Black escaped or when Bellatrix and the other nine wizards escaped from Azkaban, though they were all pretty much the same story.
“Come Harry, let’s go. It’s a Hogsmeade weekend and I don’t want to spend it or my eighteenth birthday stuck in the Gryffindor common room,” Hermione said slightly annoyed.
Harry sighed, “Yeah you’re right. It just shook me up a bit, you know, them escaping. It just reminds me of what is going to happen sometime in the near future,” Harry said straitening up on the couch where he had been ever since he found out about the escape Death Eaters, which was about half and hour ago.
“Harry,” Hermione said sharply shaking his shoulders. “Don’t think about that, don’t!”
“She’s right Harry don’t think about that, just try to enjoy what you can. You can’t go through this year clouding it with the constant thought of battling Voldemort,” Ginny said.
“Oh come on Harry, you can’t honestly say you weren’t expecting this. With no Dementors at Azkaban, even a thick head like Crabbe or Goyle could get out,” Ron said
“No, I was expecting it, but you know it’s a bit of a shock for me knowing that when I finally battle Voldemort, some of his strongest Death Eaters will be there with him,” Harry said.
“Well I guess that is a bit of a shock, but Harry just remember, Ron and I are coming with you,” Hermione said sitting down beside him.
“No!” Harry shouted loudly, that some of the nearby first and second years looked over at Harry for his sudden and loud outburst. He lowered his voice and continued. “No I can’t allow that, I can’t allow you guys to be involved in this. I want…no…I will be doing this alone. No ministry, no Order and yes guys but I can’t have it, no you,” Harry stated.
“Harry it’s our choice,” Hermione protested.
“Yes, true, but I will not have anymore of my friends; the people I love die at the hands of him or his death Eaters. I already lost too much. My parents, Sirius and Dumbledore, they are all dead because him,” Harry stated sternly ending the conversation. Harry stood up and out a smile on his face, his arm snaked around Hermione’s waist as she stood up with him. “Now I believe you wanted to spend your birthday, or at least…” he looked at Ron quickly then back to Hermione, “…some of it, in Hogsmeade, right?” So what are we doing here?”
Arm slipping from Hermione’s waist, he grabbed her hand and walked out the portrait hole with Ron and Ginny behind them.

Half an hour later Harry and Hermione were sitting cozily at a little table in the corner of Madame Puddifoot’s little coffee shop.
“Wonder what Ginny and Ron are up to?” Hermione said
“Look if you feel guilty leaving them, we can go,” Harry said
“No I’d like to stay here wit you,” she said.
Hermione leaned over and kissed him. Harry eagarly kissed her back, placing his hand behind her head. After several long minuets they finally broke apart.
“Come on Harry we should go. I want to get some homework done tonight,” Hermione said picking up her coat.
“Do we have to go? I’d much rather stay here,” Harry said. He knew she could not return to Gryffindor tower before four, and it was only three-thirty. “It is your birthday after all, why would you want to spend it all doing homework, why don’t you want to stay here with me?” He asked with a fake hint of hurt in his voice.
Hermione stood there for a moment staring at Harry, contemplating what to do to. “Oh alright, but just till four, then we go,”
“Fine,” Harry said satisfied.

The half hour passed by fast, and before Harry knew it they were walking out of Madame Puddifoot’s. Just as they reached a carriage to take them back to Hogwarts, Harry realized he forgot to pick up Hermione’s present, which he left at Makaine’s Gift Shop.
“Wait Hermione, I forgot something,” he said grabbing her arm to prevent her from getting in the carriage.
“Harry the carriage is about to leave, the next one doesn’t leave till about five and this one is not going to wait for you,” she complained
“We’ll walk back then, it won’t kill you will it?” Harry asked.
Hermione glared t him, “fine we’ll walk back. Let’s go.”
A minute later they were standing outside Makaine’s Gift Shop.
“Hermione, can you wait out here while I go in?” Harry asked.
“Hermione nodded and Harry entered the little shop alone.
“Oh Mr. Potter!” the little witch behind the counter said. “Are you here to pick up the package you left earlier?”
“Ummm…yes,” Harry replied.
The witch went into the back as Harry dug in his pants pocket for the communication device between Ron and him and pulled out the enchanted coin. He tapped the coin once and the coin glowed faintly as he stuck it back into his pocket.

Ron felt something burn hot in his pocket and stuck his hand into his pocket to fish it out. He turned the coin onto its side and read ten-fifteen minutes

Hermione had come up with the clever idea back in their fifth year, as a communication device between the DA members. Harry turned back towards the counter as the witch h returned holding Harry’s package.
“Here you go Mr. Potter,” she said handing him the slim package over the counter. Since Harry had paid for it earlier, he thanked the witch and left the store.

Hermione was sitting on a bench outside the store swinging her legs back and forth as she watched Hogwarts students walk by.
“Okay, we can go now?” Harry said standing in front of her.
Hermione stood up and looked at the package in Harry’s hand. “What’s that?” She asked pointing to the package.
“Oh you’ll see…later,” Harry said putting his arm around her waist. Fifteen minuets later Harry and Hermione entered the school. Harry quietly and sneakily as not to catch Hermione’s attention dug into his pocket for the coin. With a small tap from his wand the ten-fifteen minutes changed to five minutes . He quietly placed it back in his pocket and turned to smile at Hermione. Her smiled back completely unaware of what Harry did right under her very nose. Five minuets later they found themselves standing in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady. Let’s hope they are ready Harry thought to himself.
“Mandrake root,” Hermione said.
The portrait swung open and Harry entered with Hermione behind him, holding his hand. They exited the portrait hole and entered the common room to find it empty.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY HERMIONE!”


-----------------------------------------------Flashback------------------------------------------------

“Hey Harry, Ron,” Ginny said coming up to them in the Gryffindor Common Room.
“Hey Gin,” Harry said. “What’s up?”
She looked at Harry, who was lying on the couch in front of the fire place. She motioned for him to move his legs and sat down.
“Where’s Hermione?” She asked making her self comfortable.
“Library, where else?” Ron said flatly.
“Okay good, I was wondering if you guys would be interested in throwing Hermione a birthday party, a surprise birthday party. There’s quite a few other Gryffindors who I’ve talked to who seem interested in do so,” Ginny suggested.
Harry and Ron sat there for a moment thinking about Ginny’s suggestion.
“I think it would be a great idea to do that. She would absolutely love it,” Ron said with a smile.
“How many people are interested,” Harry asked.
“Well Seamus, Dean, Neville, Parvati, Lavender, some first years-” she was cut off.
“Ginny. I asked how many, not who,” Harry said a minor hint of annoyance in his voice.
“Oh well, defiantly more than half of Gryffindor house,” she said.
“Okay sure lets do it, but don’t put me in charge of planning, I’m busy enough with our one year anniversary planning,” Harry said.
Ginny smiled and got up with Harry.
Harry cleared his throat and spoke loudly. “All right, everyone could I get your attention?” Everyone in the quieted down and turned their attention to Harry. “Ginny has just informed me that a few of you are interested in throwing Hermione a birthday Party. Well, I’m all for it,” a few heads nodded. “Now Hermione’s birthday is on Sunday, so we need to start planning. Does anyone have any ideas?” Many hands went into the air.

******

“Here we are,” Ron said placing four bottles of Butter beer on the table.
It was Sunday, a Hogsmeade weekend, and Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were all in the Three Broomsticks. Harry picked up his bottle, took a small sip and placed it back down on the table and stood up.
“I have to go to the washroom, I’ll be right back,” Harry turned around to leave and in the process tapped Ron on the shoulder.
“I’ll be right back too,” Ron said, hastily putting his drink back down on the table and followed Harry.
Harry pushed open the boys’ door and went inside, with Ron right behind him.
“Okay let’s go over the plan one more time, just so you don’t forget anything. Okay in a few minuets you suggest that Hermione and I go to Madame Puddifoot’s to just spend some time with each other. Now if I know Hermione, and I do know her, she will protest, she won’t want to leave you guys, but Ginny and you just keep insisting,” Harry said.
“Why don’t you ever give the reminder speech to Ginny?” Ron asked suddenly.
“Because I know she won’t forget,” Harry answered.
“Thanks,” Ron mumbled quietly. “Anyways, have you solved the communication problem?” Ron asked.
Harry nodded, “with these,” he said reaching into his pocket and pulled out two coins. “Remember these?” he asked.
“Do I ever,” Ron said taking one.
“Good, now don’t forget. Come on we should go,” Harry said turning to the door.
“Remember Harry, not before four,” Ron said, feeling somewhat satisfied that he just gave a reminder to Harry.
Harry just merely nodded his head and opened the door.

A little more than five minutes later, Ron put the whole plan into motion.
“Hey why don’t you two go to Madame Puddifoot’s, spend some time together for awhile,” Run suggested.
“Oh that sounds like a good idea,” Ginny said looking to Hermione.
“I don’t know what about you two. I’d feel really bad just blowing you guys off like that,” Hermione said.
“We’ll be fine, really, just go,” Ginny insisted.
“I really don’t know, we spent all of last night together,” Hermione said hesitantly.
Harry was getting slightly nervous, she had a point, and they did spend all night together.
“They’re right, it would be fun,” Harry said doin his best to help the situation.
“As you say that with a twinkle in your eye,” Ginny said teasingly.
Ron smiled, “Just go, have some fun on your birthday.”
“I am having fun, I’m with my friends,” Hermione said.
“Well we’re not having fun, we’d have more fun if you two went to Madame Puddifoot’s,” Ginny said matter of factly.
“I know what this is all about,” Hermione said. Harry froze. “You two don’t have a present for me yet, and you don’t want me following you around,” Harry silently sighed in relief.
A guilty look crossed Ron and Ginny’s faces, and Harry knew they were fake.
“Fine, we’ll go and leave you two to your shopping,” Hermione said finally giving in.
She grabbed her coat and Harry’s hand and walked out of the Three Broomsticks.
“One hour,” Harry whispered as Hermione dragged him away.

-----------------------------------------------End Flashback-------------------------------------------

Hermione froze with shock at the sudden outburst that filled her ears from the Gryffindor student’s, years one to seven. After taking in what was happening her eyes filled with tears of happiness.
This explains Harry, Ron, and Ginny’s strange behavior back in the Three Broomsticks, Hermione thought to her self.
“W-was this your idea?” she choked.
Harry laughed slightly and shook his head, “No, Ginny came up with the idea for the party. The decorations, food and everything else were everyone else’s ideas. I only helped with the planning of keeping you away from here till at least four, I was to busy planning our one year anniversary to help with anything else,” Harry said.
Hermione flung her arms around Harry and hugged him.
“Surprised Hermione?” Ginny asked as she approached them wit Ron behind her.
“Yes, I love it. Thank you everyone,” Hermione said wiping her eyes.


The next hour was spent playing a few games, conversing with friends and filled with numerous ‘Happy Birthdays’. The common room was suddenly filled with song.
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Hermione,
Happy birthday to you.
Hermione turned around in time to see Parvati and Lavender place a relatively big cake down in front of her.
“Make a wish,” Parvati said.
Hermione smiled, took a deep breath and blew out all the candles. The common room filled with clapping as Hermione turned to Harry.
“Did the House-elves make this?” she asked.
“Yes and no, the House-elves made the cake, Dobby was in charge of that, but Lavender and Parvati decorated it,” he said.
“Well that explains the pink whipping cream,” she said with a laugh.
The cake was a strawberry, vanilla, triple layered cake. Between each layer was a thin layer of the same pink whipping cream that was on the outside. The outside was completely covered with the pick topping and three strawberries in each corner and six more strawberries in the middle.

Not long after cake, Ron suggested that Hermione open her presents. There were not may presents as not everyone got her one, but that didn’t bother her as she wasn’t big on getting many presents. Hermione smiled as she headed towards a chair and sat down. Her first present was from Ron. He had gotten her a notebook and a new quill. They both followed the same theme, Bird of Paradise. The quill was made from a bird of paradise feather, while the image of the bird was on the notebook. Her next present was from Ginny, a metallically green diary, a new quill and a bottle of green ink. Her gifts also consisted of many boxes of sweets, books and a few more quills. As she was opening her last present, Harry headed up to his dormitory to get her present. When Harry came back down, Hermione was picking up all her newly acquired posses and placing them in a box.
“Sit back down, you still have one more,” Harry whispered in her ear, coming up behind her.
Hermione did as she was told and Harry handed her, her last present. She took it from him and opened it slowly. It was a calendar, encased in Purple Heart wood. She noticed the date had already been set correctly as the number nine glowed faintly. Her eyes traveled all over it, taking in every little detail and landed on the picture at the top. The picture was of Ron, Harry and her, during their first year at Hogwarts.
“Harry,” she sighed, “It’s beautiful.”
“ I thought you would like it. The picture changes every week. There is 112 pictures in it so there’s enough there to change every week for two years without seeing one picture more than once, but it is just random,” he said.
Hermione gently place the calendar on the table beside her and hugged him.
“I love you,” she whispered in his ear, tears coming to her eyes for the second time that day.

The rest of the day passed like a blur to Hermione. After supper, she was sitting in the common room with Harry and Ron working on her Ancient Runes essay. Once she finished she started to pack up her books. As she grabbed her Ancient Runes book to stuff into her bag, a tapping sound came from the window. Harry jumped up and opened the window, allowing the Great Horned Owl to fly in. The owl landed on the arm of the chair Hermione was sitting in and held out its leg to Hermione. Hermione took the letter and the owl flew out the window. Harry closed the window and approached Hermione.
“Who’s it from?” he asked.
“Viktor,” she stated simply opening the envelope.
“Viktor Krum?” Ron asked suddenly interested.
Hermione nodded and began to read aloud.

Dear Hermione:
I hope this letter reaches you on time this year for you birthday, as last year my letter arrived a little late and again I’m sorry, even though you have told me countless time that it was all right.

Well on to other thing. I a few new bits of news to tell you, first off I have been transferred to the England Quidditch team, I’m still trying to figure out why exactly that happened. Also I have recently gotten married, Sophia is her name. We got married on September third in Australia, since that is where she is from. She works as a healer now at St. Mungos’ Hospital.

Well enough of me for the time being. What’s new with you? How have you been coming along in you seventh year? I found that year particularly hard, then again I was in the Triwizard Tournament that particular year.

Well I hop to hear from you soon, Bye.
Viktor

“He’s been transferred to the England Quidditch team?” Ron asked disbelievingly.
“Honestly Ron! Is that all you heard. Yes he has, happy?” Hermione said.
“Wicked,” Ron said. “Well I’m going to bed now.”
Ron picked up his books and ascended the stairs.
“Where’s Ginny by the way? I haven’t seen her since supper,” Harry asked placing his text book in his school bag.
“Library with Luna, they’re working on a project together for Transfiguration,” Hermione said picking up her school bag and going upstairs.
“Thanks for waiting,” Harry said under his breath.
Harry grabbed his bag and went upstairs. As he reached the boy’s dormitory door and hand reached out of the dark, and grabbed his tie and gently pushed him against the wall.
“Hermione you scared the shit out of me,” Harry whispered.
“Sorry,” she said and gently kissed him. “Thanks again for today.”
“You’re welcome,” Harry said.
Hermione smiled and kissed him passionately. Harry dropped his school bag and put his hands on her waist. After a few minutes Harry began untucking her shirt and Hermione did nothing to stop him.
“Really! I thought I’d never have to say this, but get a room,” Ginny said.
Harry and Hermione broke apart and looked towards the stars. Ginny was standing there looking at them.
“Okay,” Harry said more than happy to do as Ginny suggested.
“Harry,” Hermione scolded.
Harry smiled knowing she didn’t mean it, the only reason she scolded him was because Ginny was there. Hermione grabbed her bag and went into the girls dormitories after Ginny. Harry picked up his school bag and entered the boys’ dormitory, still smiling.