The Rebirth

Hogsmeade

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Hermione was welcomed into Hogsmeade by the scent of brewing butterbeer. She began walking towards the back of one of the sweet shops, ensuring her footsteps were not too loud. As she turned a corner, she saw Harry and Ron, sitting together, butterbeers in hand. "Well well, sorry to interrupt this social gathering," she said as she sat down on an upturned box. "I presume you've forgiven him?"

Ron looked at Harry, a look of seriousness on his face. "Do it again mate, and I'll be whipping out my wand to do some serious damage." He began to laugh, but was immediately hushed by Hermione.

"Hardly the best of places to plan Mione," Harry said as he sipped on his butterbeer.
"Well I'm sorry, but I was thinking more about secrecy than comfort. It's twenty past seven, and all the shopkeepers lock up in 10 minutes. After that, we can go inside – but I'm sure you two won't mind waiting, what with all the butterbeers."
"Hey! We were cold and you were taking long. What were you doing?"
"Protective enchantments. Harry, I hope you took the same precautions?" A solemn silence hung over the three, as they were reminded of the last time protection spells were needed. Harry quietly muttered "Yes", before neglecting his butterbeer on the ground.

"So what's the plan?"

"Well, it's not complete – I want all our input on some things. So, from what we've experienced so far, this 'figure' tends to appear when I'm alone -"

"Hence more vulnerable." Ron finished the sentence, a tone of anger in his voice.

"Precisely. So, we just need to catch them in the act. I'll be on my own as usual, and if they appear, I'll use these to let you know." Hermione reached into her bag, showing the boys three blue buttons.
"I've enchanted these two begin to glow once I press it – It'll let you apparate to my location, and then we can take it from there."

"Sounds okay, but you haven't considered the bigger things. Like why they actually are following you, and if there are others? We need to eradicate this threat, not just capture it in a circle and frighten them a little bit."

"Well I did tell you it was a work in progress. It's difficult to decide what to do when you don't want to use brutality."
"Don't want to use brutality?! Hermione?! Do I need to remind you of the harm and destruction those people caused? Do I need to list all the people they've -"
Ron was immediately hushed by Hermione. "Keep your voice down! I know they're dangerous, but we need to think logically here. Firstly, despite my theory of this 'figure' being a death eater as pretty legitimate, we don't know for sure! Secondly, we don't know what these people are capable of. Attacking with immediate brutal magic could lead to an even bigger comeback from them – with darker magic. Have you two completely lost your faith in me? Trust me, I know what I'm doing. Now, should we go inside before we completely freeze?" Hermione turned, grabbing her bag.

Ron and Harry looked at each other and sighed, before getting up to follow her. Hermione always seemed to put them in their place, whatever the situation.

"Alohamora." The door unlocked itself, and the three crept in.
They found themselves a table, and began to discuss different theories and plans. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the three managed to relax slightly over a few butterbeers. It didn't stop the fact that there was someone following the trio out there, but it made the worry ease. It was something about being back at Hogwarts – it was just like being at home, being hugged by warmth and memories. They often tried to visit Hogwarts, usually once a month. Work duties did allow them to visit when needed, and there were many faces who happily welcomed the trio at any time. Magic had been specially altered to allow them to apparate into Hogwarts when needed/desired. However, what with workloads and trying to 'give the kids space', the visits had decreased.

It was nearing midnight, and Harry was the first to stand. "We should go – it's getting late, and we all have work tomorrow."
"So it's sorted? Anything happens, you two will be the first to know."
"It still doesn't feel right – you should have another precaution, just in case." Ron said as he stood to walk towards the door.
"Ron, don't worry. I think we can all be rest assured that Hermione is more than capable with a wand." Harry laughed, but Hermione could tell it was worrying him too.
"Guys, I appreciate the concern – I know this plan isn't ideal, or the best one we've ever thought of. But I'm going to be fine – and as we all know, I'm pretty nifty with a wand." They laughed lightly, and Hermione reached out to open the door.

Before her hand reached the handle, the door was blasted open, and the three were blown back by the sheer force of magic slamming into the door. "Whoever you are, I've got a wand and I'm not afraid to use it!"

The three immediately recognised the voice. As Harry propped himself up on his elbows, he could see a man, standing in the doorway. It seemed all too familiar.

"Hello Hagrid."