Harry Potter and the Rings

A/N: I think it came out pretty well. And I wouldn't mind having a beta reader, so if anyone wants to I'm too lazy to look back at the other reviews, so just give me another one saying that. J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter and like. I've got the rest. Big battle scene in this chapter. Or at least I hope you think it is. Fun stuff writing is. Also, there will be allusions and such in this story because they are important to character development. If you have ever read the graphic novel `Road to Perdition' then you'll understand one scene in this chapter. I would like to thank my Beta, tj7795, for reading this. Read and Review please.

Chapter 14:

Fighting and Friendship

As Harry let down the light, he found more than he was bargaining for. The Death Eaters were pouring out of the forest, and Midnight had dropped his shot gun and drawn his pistols. The Death Eaters overwhelmingly kept coming and coming.

“Time for a new plan!” Midnight yelled, pulling out his rings and molding them into two swords.

“Like what?” Harry asked as he used the hilt of his sword to knock a man unconscious and built a fire wall to stop several others.

“Don't know.” Midnight said, showing no mercy to the batch of Death Eaters he was fighting. “Just know it's time for a new one.” Harry spun around, keeping many of them at bay, but they began to cast spells, forcing him to make a shield.

“We need something . . . anything!” Harry yelled as Midnight took out another dozen men. The clouds began to roll over the night sky as the wind picked up.

“Harry, I want you to flame up and start flying low and fast!” Midnight yelled back as he took off the hand of a Death Eater. “Fly around the school as fast as you can, making some sort of barrier.”

Harry looked back to the school and smiled. “Already done.” Midnight looked as well, a smile on his face as he slit a Death Eater's throat.

“Well I'll be damned.” Midnight said as he and Harry went back to taking down as many as they could.

Hermione was standing at the entrance, using her Element to knock back any of the Death Eaters that came close. Spells didn't even work against her wall, as she redirected them toward another group of Death Eaters. But even as Harry fought, he could tell her strength was waning.

Harry still gathered the flames around him and began to burn all of the Death Eaters he could. One he set completely on fire and had the flame jump from person to person, causing even more mayhem. He also began to grab men, lighting them on fire, and throwing them into large crowds, indirectly hurting them.

Midnight had a different approach. Instead of trying not to kill people, he just as easily would slice an arm off or something similar. The Death Eaters were too afraid of the man on fire or the psycho to try to effectively cast spells. If they tried any at all, they were directed at Hermione. Every time Harry looked over there, it seemed to be getting harder for her.

“Where the hell are those reinforcements?” Midnight yelled, jumping near Harry.

Standing back to back, Midnight with his pistols drawn and Harry with his sword lit, they fired into the crowd. Harry's attacks did more damage, but Midnight's were aimed to kill. They couldn't last much longer. Harry felt the toll of it all, but every time he looked over at Hermione, his anger flared, giving him more power. Midnight still had his limp and was fighting on. Harry could tell how much it hurt to stand tall on it, but Midnight never showed the weakness.

A sudden blast of light knocked down dozens of men. Harry turned his gaze toward the entrance. He let a sigh inwardly. The teachers were gathered outside as well as John, Seron, and Ron.

Dumbledore stood tall and began to send curses to knock the Death Eaters unconscious, the same with most of the teachers. John froze them in their tracks, creating large blocks of ice filled with Death Eaters. Ron controlled mild earthquakes underfoot. Seron seemed to be causing the most damage of all. Her large blast of light knocked the Death Eaters several yards into the air. Harry and Midnight slowly made their way to them.

“About time y'all showed up.” Midnight said as Harry rushed to Hermione's side. The storm began to get worse as more and more Death Eaters attacked. “Must have a Storm Element on their side.”

“No, we do.” Seron yelled over one of her blast. “Hermione's a pretty strong one. She's the one making the storm.”

“She is?” Harry asked as he helped support her. “Why don't I help you with your wall?” Harry asked with a smile. She just looked up at him as she collapsed into his arms. Her wall fell, but one of fire quickly took its place. The school was still safe, for the time being. A steady downpour began, but the wall remained unaffected.

“How is she?” Dumbledore asked as he ran to Harry.

“Tired, but conscious.” Harry said, caressing her cheek. His mind was now split between his love for Hermione and protecting the school. Both of which were taking a toll on his body.

“There's still at least a thousand of them out there.” Midnight said pacing impatiently. Everyone was back behind the wall, protected for now. “I got it!” He rushed over to Hermione and Harry. He had gotten everyone's attention.

“Hermione, if you can hear me, I want you ta sense my magnetic poles.” Midnight said. Everyone else stared at him, but Hermione just nodded. “I need you ta make the strongest burst of lightning possible ta hit me.”

“What?!” Seron said. “That's suicide.”

“So is this battle.” Midnight said, looking toward Ron. “I need you and Harry ta gather them all together closely in a surrounded spot. Doesn't matter how, just do it.”

“But how am I going to do that and keep the wall up?” Harry asked.

“Let us take over Harry.” John said, pointing toward him and Seron. “Ice may not stop the attacks, but a strong Light barrier should help.”

“This is suicide.” McGonagall said. The steady downpour had picked up speed.

“You got a better idea Minerva?” Midnight questioned. “I'm the only one guaranteed ta get hurt if this goes as planned.”

“He's right.” Hermione said from Harry's arms. Everyone looked over at her. “I think it has a chance to work.”

“But are you up to it?” Harry asked her, his care showing. “I don't want to see you hurt any more than you need to be.” She touched his cheek.

“I'll be fine.” She gave him a small kiss on cheek before he helped her up.

“All right, Harry, drop it.” Midnight had two larger swords in his hands and his pair of sunglasses still on.

The fire wall dropped. Everything began to happen in slow motion. A light barrier stopped the Death Eaters from firing spells, but it wouldn't hold long. Midnight jumped back into the fray, shouting and cursing as he took on more and more Death Eaters. Ron and Harry, from opposite sides began to push the Death Eaters closer together. McGonagall was supporting Hermione and John built his wall underneath Harry and Ron's feet, causing them to rise above the ground.

“This isn't working.” Ron yelled over the wind.

“Think it'd work better if we were on the ground?” Harry asked, Ron just nodded and both men looked down. Ron transformed his body into a pure rock state, while Harry let the flames consume him.

“See you on the ground floor.” Ron said with a smile as he jumped off the ice wall and onto a Death Eater. Harry flew down at a speed he couldn't imagine.

Once on the ground, Ron used his element to make a large wall to force the Death Eaters closer to John's ice wall. Harry added to it, heating the rock into lava, which he could manipulate. As the lava and rock forced the Death Eaters closer around John's wall, Hermione was gathering as much strength as she could.

“I can't do it.” She said falling to her knees. McGonagall and Snape tried to help her up, but she refused and kept calling for Harry. Hearing her pleas, he bore a hole through the wall to her. He dropped his flames, but still forced the lava toward the Death Eaters.

“What can't you do?” Harry asked as he lifted her up.

“I can't find him. He's too far in.” Hermione said stifling her tears. The storm's fury increased and the wind picked up. “Everyone's doing their part, but me.” Trying to calm her, Harry looked skyward to the storm. He had never seen anything as large and dangerous and the gentle girl in his arms did it. Kissing her forehead, he went back to calming her down.

“What now?” Snape yelled over the winds. Looking around at the windows of the school, Harry could see the scared faces of the students. This place was safe, before Voldemort's lackeys showed up. Harry handed Hermione over to McGonagall, and looked over at Snape and Dumbledore.

“We're gonna burn the hell out of them.” Harry said, creating as big of flame around his body as possible. Summoning his sword, he took to the air and flew as high as he could.

“They hurt `Mione.” Harry said as he went directly over the area where Midnight stood. Midnight looked upward to see the ball of fire in the sky, for a short second a smile was on his face.

“Beautiful.” Midnight said before the ball of fire came downward toward him.

Harry pushed himself to the brink of exhaustion as he fell back to Earth. The flame around his body grew large as he descended. Ron had made a crater-like area, and the center of that was where he was headed. The lightning grew stronger behind him and he placed his sword in front of him.

“Never again.” Harry yelled as a bolt of lightning struck his sword as he descended. Feeling the electricity flow through his body only intensified the flames.

“This is going to hurt him a lot more that I thought.” Midnight said ducking downward. The Death Eaters piled on top of him, creating a giant hill over him.

Harry sped downward into the pile of Death Eaters. Their screams of terror and pain were nothing compared to what was to come. Harry didn't even slow down as he reached the center.

Midnight felt the sword coming and guided it toward him. Undoubtedly, Harry would follow that sword, and he knew what was going to happen. The Death Eaters still fought against him, and were beginning to win. He had several gashes in his arms and knew that a wand was stuck in his thigh.

“REDUCTO!” Harry yelled. Every ounce of magic in his body flew outward from his sword. As it was released, he saw the huddled form of Midnight, turn to place the blade over his chest. There was a twisted smile on his face as he did so.

The blast not only used his energy, but the fire around his body followed as well. The screams of the Death Eaters were silenced by the explosion. Harry kept falling, even though he knew he had no more ground underneath him. In fact, Harry felt like everything was going in reverse. The ground kept getting smaller but the blast kept getting bigger.

`No more pain, no more death.' Harry kept thinking as the blast got bigger and bigger. The Death Eaters were going to hurt his friends again, even if he died trying. `They tried to hurt `Mione.' The blast got larger and larger and the ground smaller and smaller.

“NO MORE!” Harry yelled as he let the blaze expand even more.

The ice wall was evaporating fast. The last conscious thought Harry had, was how beautiful the flame looked and how much he wished Hermione could see it. At that moment, darkness seemed to be bliss.

* * * * *

The screams were unbearable. Harry felt like his head was on fire as they continued to yell at him. “It wasn't my fault.” He said, shaking his head. They blamed him for everything wrong, for their lives and for their deaths. “It wasn't my FAULT!” Harry's mind yelled. Almost immediately, an eerie silence followed. It was broken by another voice, but not one that was screaming at him.

“Harry, you crazy son-of-a-bitch.” A voice said. “Couldn't even kill a man right. Well, I guess that's my own fault. Couldn't be killed even if I wanted ta.” The sound of someone getting up and walking away wasn't the only thing he heard. Someone was lying next to him, gentle breath caressing his chest.

Harry felt like his entire body was in pain. Never before had his body ached this bad. He couldn't even move his arms, let alone his fingers without hurting. His legs felt numb and his head felt heavier. A sharp pain ran through it every now and then.

“I'm sorry, Harry.” A gentle voice whispered. “Please wake up. I'm so sorry.” Even in as much pain as he was, Harry knew that voice.

“`Mione?” His throat felt sore and he could barely lift his eyelids.

Hermione lay curled up at his side, tears rolling down her cheeks and her eyes were red and closed. His arm wrapped around her protectively, but he couldn't remember doing so. Nor did he remember being brought to the hospital. The last thought he had was wanting to burn those Death Eaters to hell . . .

“What have I done?” Harry whispered.

“Damn bub, you up?” Harry tried to turn his head slightly to the owner of the voice, but found his neck was in too much pain as well. Midnight moved into Harry's field of vision, and took a seat in the chair.

“What happened?” Harry asked softly. He didn't want to wake Hermione.

“Well, after that excellent display of power, you fell nearly ten stories and hit the ground.” Midnight said with a smile. “Splat!” He chuckled a bit but it quickly faded. “You want more?” Harry nodded to the best of his ability. Midnight said, taking out a flask, “I don't care what you or anyone else says. I need this right now.” He leaned forward in his chair. “Harry, what you did was combine magic and your element.” Midnight said as a smile grew on his face. “You should be proud of yourself. I've never seen someone do that ta such a large extent, and after everything I put you through, no wonder you've been out for a week.” He took a drink without grimacing.

“A week?” Harry said. He sat up slightly, but the pain was too great. “I've missed two weeks now.” He said as he lay back down.

“Don't worry, with yours, Hermione and Ron's effort, I'd be surprised if you lost that cup of yours.” Midnight chuckled slightly. “You missed your first match though. Damn shame too.” Midnight's twisted smile broke across his face. “Won, but not by much. Ginny's a very good Seeker though.”

“Back to a week ago.”

“Fine,” Midnight sighed. “Well, when you combined the magic and element, you created a massive explosion. Destroyed just about everything within several dozen yards.” He took another drink from his flask. “Drove me several yards inta the ground.”

“What about the electricity?” Harry asked as some of the events came back.

“Well, it added ta the overall strength of the flames, but not their intensity.” Midnight said, opening up his jacket. He tore a hole in his shirt as he spoke. “Damn near burned a hole through my chest. Wish you had though.” A large burn mark formed a cross-like figure on Midnight's chest. He took another drink and closed his jacket.

“Were you the one speaking before?” Harry asked. “About wishing I'd kill you?”

“Yeah, and if you'd had my memories, you'd be wishing the same damn thing.” Midnight took another drink from the flask and slid it back into his jacket. He stood up and began to walk away.

“Where are you going?” Harry asked, straining to turn his head.

“Getting everyone else.” Midnight said as he disappeared beyond the doors.

Harry looked back down at Hermione, who hadn't stopped her crying, but had a smile on her face. “I'm here, `Mione, I'm here.” Harry said, playing with her hair a bit. He was all too glad to have her at his side. He needed her to help block out the screams of those Death Eaters.

“Harry?” Hermione said, opening her eyes slowly and looking up at him.

“I'm here, love.” Harry whispered as the tears continued to roll down her cheeks. He felt her arms wrap around his neck, but the tighter she squeezed, the more pain was sent through his body. As she pulled back, she noticed the agony on his face and quickly released him.

“I'm sorry.” Hermione said, putting her hands in her lap.

“Don't be, felt nice to have those hands around my neck again.” Harry said, giving her a genuine smile. “How are you?” He felt so much love for her.

“All right. Just wish I could've helped more.” Hermione said looking down. Harry slipped his hand under her chin and lifted it up.

“`Mione, your being there helped me.” Harry said sweetly. He gave her a soft smile before continuing. “Hermione, just knowing that I've got you by my side makes me feel like I could do anything. And when you were in pain last week, I did whatever I could to take that pain away.”

“I love you Harry.” Hermione said picking up his other hand and nuzzling against him.

“I love you too.” Harry said, kissing her forehead. The sound of doors crashing open caused Harry to quickly turn his head, sending a sharp pain down his back.

Ron and Ginny came running over to his bed, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Madame Pomfrey looked like she could kill someone, but just shut the doors again. Ron and Ginny quickly took a seat at the edge of his bed, while Mr. and Mrs. Weasley walked over slowly.

“Seems you two are quite comfortable.” Ron said jokingly. Hermione sent him a glare before sitting up and making her self more presentable. “You've been out like a light, mate, for a week.”

“That's what I heard.” Harry said, smiling slightly. “Midnight gave me a partial explanation about what I did.”

“Everything happened so fast.” Ron said. “How did you get that powerful?” Harry shuddered at the thought of what he had done.

“Can we talk about something else? Please?” Harry asked, looking around.

“Sure Harry.” Mrs. Weasley said with a smile.

“Did you hear?” Ginny said with a smile. “We won our first match.”

Ron and Ginny went into a full explanation about what happened during the match and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley left them alone. It was nearly an hour later before Madame Pomfrey came in to give Harry at least a dozen potions. Madame Pomfrey shooed Ginny and Ron out and told Hermione to give them to Harry.

“You're enjoying this, aren't you?” Harry asked, after swallowing a third one. The first potion didn't taste too bad, but they were getting exponentially worse. And Hermione was giggling at each face he made.

“Yes,” Hermione said as she gave him the fourth. “I like taking care of you.”

“I'd love to take care of you, as seeing my current predicament.” Harry looked down at his body. His legs still ached and it hurt the joints in his arms to move.

“Don't worry Harry; you'll be fine soon enough.” Hermione said, shutting him up by giving him another horrible tasting potion.

By the time she was done, Harry felt like all of his taste buds were destroyed, but one kiss from Hermione brought them back. She went back to his side and took out a book from her bag.

“How long have you been here?” Harry asked as she moved beneath his arm.

“I was in here a week ago, because of exhaustion.” Hermione said as she placed the book on his lap. “And then I've been sleeping in here ever since.”

“Couldn't stay away?” Harry asked. Hermione began to blush as she opened the book. She began to read softly to him and he did the same.

John and Dumbledore came in a few minutes later. Dumbledore had his usually smile as did John. Both seemed rather happy about something. Hermione once again had to sit up and had a little pout on her face. She quickly lost it as Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

“How are you feeling Harry?” Dumbledore asked taking a seat. John stood at the end of the bed, looking rather pleased with himself.

“Like I got hit by a truck and run over by a train.” He got both John and Dumbledore to chuckle slightly, but he just made Hermione more concerned about him. “Why were we attacked?” Harry asked. “Voldemort wasn't even there, I should know.” He remembered as much as he could of the pain, but none of it was from Voldemort.

“Well, we don't know why they attacked, but we know who did.” John said the smile disappearing. Apparently neither he nor Dumbledore wanted to get into this right away.

“Who?”

“Voldemort must've hired mercenaries or something like them, because a large number of the people out there weren't even wizards or witches.” John said. “None of those men and women out there had any Dark Marks.”

“Why would Voldemort hire men to attack Hogwarts?” Hermione asked as Seron came in.

“He didn't.” She said walking next to John. “Those men and women were all fake.”

“Then why do I still hear their screams?” Harry asked shaking his head. Hermione wrapped him in a hug as Seron tried to explain it.

“Because you were meant to hear them.” She said to him, sitting on the edge of the bed. “It seems Voldemort knew that you were a Fire Element. One of the down sides is facing the deaths of those you've killed. Midnight knows how to take care of that, so when you're better you can talk to him.”

“Okay.” Harry said slowly. He barely understood a word she said.

“She just means you have to speak with Midnight again.” Hermione said, smiling. Harry just nodded.

“What we wanted to talk to you about was the amount or power you produced.” John said. “I've never seen someone produce that much magic, let alone Elemental strength.”

“What do you mean?” Harry asked as some of the pain was relieved from his joints.

“I mean Harry the crater you made was at least a good kilometer deep, and two wide.” John said.

“Not only that Harry, it seems your spectacle has the entire school talking.” Dumbledore chuckled. “Even the papers know about it.”

“Great.” Harry said slumping in the chair. “Now one more thing I'm widely known for.”

“I wouldn't say that.” John said with a smirk. “They are scared out of their minds of you.”

“So what now?” Harry asked, thinking back to all of the problems they had the year before.

“Well, the Ministry knows about you, but we're not allowing anyone near you until you're ready to make a statement.” John said.

“Michael's been having fun keeping the reporters back.” Dumbledore said chuckling. “Can't say I approve of his measures, but he gets the job done. Actually, he's become more a news maker at this point than you.”

“Hell no!” Midnight's voice said. Quickly it was followed by a man's scream and the sound of a window breaking. “Anyone else want ta try? Didn't think so.”

“I should go stop him before he does any more damage.” Seron sighed. “Wouldn't be the first time.” She got up from her seat and walked toward the door, and Harry caught sight of Midnight shoving a guy's face into the wall. Harry tried his best to stifle a laugh.

“You think that's funny?” Hermione asked him.

“After all he's been through, I think he deserves some fun.” Harry said. She gave him a stern look before Dumbledore commented.

“Ah, he told you then.” Dumbledore said, the twinkle gone from his eyes. Harry nodded as John and Hermione had confused looks on their faces.

“Told you what?” John asked.

“What I needed to hear.” Harry said, turning to look at Dumbledore.

“You should get your rest, Harry.” Dumbledore rose from his seat. “Come John. We must attend to other affairs at the moment.” He walked out of the room, with a confused professor walking behind him.

“What did Midnight tell you?” Hermione asked. Harry gave her a remorseful look, but knew Midnight told him he could tell. He just wished she could comprehend it.

“Midnight was a part of World War 2.” Harry said, watching the horror on Hermione's face grow. “I assume you've read about it?” She nodded as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

“So many men died in that war.” Tears began to fall down her cheeks. She turned into Harry's chest and he did his best to comfort her. “Was he in a. . . . camp?” She looked up at him.

Harry couldn't, she was a mess when he told about the fact the Midnight had been apart of the war. How she'd react if she knew he'd been in one of the camps? Pulling her to him tighter, he could only wonder if he would ever have the courage to tell her. Some Gryffindor he turned out to be.

“No, `Mione.” Harry whispered into her ears. They stayed like that for a long time. By the time the door had opened again, Harry was hungry and Hermione was asleep in his arms. He didn't dare fall asleep. Those screams were too much for him.

“The reporters are gone,” Midnight said as he entered. “And I figured you'd be hungry.” He pulled out a sandwich from inside of his jacket. “Got this past security, figured you'd want something worth eating, not that brain food they give you while in here.”

“Thanks.” Harry said, taking it with one hand.

“You didn't tell her, did you?” Midnight said, reading Harry's face.

“Is it that obvious?” Harry asked, taking a bite of the sandwich. Midnight just chuckled heartily. “That is so much better than those potions I had earlier.”

“Wash it down with this.” Midnight tossed him a flask. Harry caught it, but dropped his sandwich into Hermione's hair.

“This better not be alcohol.” Harry said eyeing it warily.

“Take a look at the initials on it.” Midnight said with a smile. Harry turned over the flask. The letters “H.J.P” were written in script on it. “It's yours bub.”

“I can't accept this.” Harry said, putting down the flask. He picked up his sandwich and started to eat again, picking the pieces of lettuce out of Hermione's hair.

“Course you can.” Midnight said, taking out another flask. “I gave it ta you. And I ain't taking it back. Besides, what do I need with an endless supply of Butterbeer?”

“Butterbeer?” Harry asked, picking up the flask.

“Yeah, I told you drinking was a nasty habit, and figured Hermione would yell at you if you did, so got this instead.” Midnight drank from his before putting back into his jacket. “Now, I understand that you wanted to talk to me about stopping the screams.”

“Yeah, every time I try to sleep, I hear the screams.” Harry shook his head, trying to get them out. He placed the flask back down and played with Hermione's hair with his free hand.

“Well, then we'll have to fix them.” Midnight said standing up. “If Hermione wakes up, tell her you'll have ta leave in about an hour. Not for too long, and not too far either. Just for some reconciliation.”

”What?” Harry asked as Midnight left the room.

“You'll understand later.” Midnight said as he walked out.

Harry shook his head, trying to get rid of his demons. He couldn't fall asleep, not with those screams still haunting his dreams. He finished off the sandwich and picked up the flask, looking into it. There definitely was something in there and it certainly smelled like Butterbeer. Preparing for the worst, Harry downed it. Feeling the sweet warm drink, Harry relaxed a bit.

Hermione stirred a bit, opening her eyes slightly as Harry enjoyed another drink from the flask. He could feel her glare upon him.

“Hello, `Mione.” Harry said with a smile.

“What are you drinking?” She asked him, sitting up on the bed.

“Butterbeer, love.” Harry offered her the flask, but she gave him a crazed look.

“Where did you get this?” She asked him as she took the flask. She looked into it, unsure of what to expect.

“From Midnight. He somehow made it have a supply of Butterbeer in it.” Harry said taking it back. Hermione had a look of shock on her face as Harry drank from it. “`Mione, don't worry. I trust him,” Harry shook his head as he closed the flask.

“How?” Hermione asked, questioning his sanity.

“Huh?” Harry said, pretending not to hear. He gave her a smile as he placed the flask on the table beside the bed.

“How can you trust him?” Hermione asked again.

“He got me back to you, safely I might add.” Harry said, pulling her closer. “Let's see. There is the fact that without his help I wouldn't be able to save the school . . . again.” He emphasized the last word. Hermione giggled at this, and began to rest against his chest again. “He also said he could stop the screams.” She looked up, fear rising in her eyes.

“What screams?” Hermione asked the worry visible in her voice.

“The screams from the people I killed.” Harry's voice and head dropped as he spoke. He never would've thought himself to be capable of such things. Hermione hugged him tightly again.

“Harry. You did what was needed to be done. You saved the entire school.” Hermione said, trying to comfort him. “You'll get through this. We'll get though this.” Harry pulled her back slightly.

“We'll always get through it together.” Harry said, wiping a lone tear from her cheek. “No matter where I was, I always felt you. You've helped me through a lot, and I want to keep it that way. I always want to be with you.” Harry said, slipping the amulet out from under her blouse.

He clasped it in his hands, a smile on his face. As he let go, Hermione gasped. The amulet now had a soft glow to it. He slipped it back into her hands.

“Now, wherever you go, I'll be there. You just concentrate on this little gem, and I'll know where you are.” Harry said with a smile. “I love you `Mione.” He gave her a kiss, nothing more than a short one, but her arms around his neck prevented him from moving away. Not that he minded.

Hermione had a smile on her face as she pulled back. “You give the best presents.”

“Yours are better.” Harry said resting his forehead against hers. She giggled as they kissed again.

They spent the better part of the next hour snogging, with Hermione in his lap. Harry had told her where he had to go, and she wanted to make the best of their time together. He never wanted to leave her again, but when Midnight came to get Harry, Hermione willingly left his lap and allowed him to get up.

“You know, if you're going ta give that face ta me, you can accompany us.” Midnight said as Harry began to walk toward him. Harry looked back at Hermione, who had a sad puppy-dog face on and just smiled at her as he held out his hand. She eagerly took it and helped Harry as he got used to walking again.

It was dark out, and Midnight had asked Harry to provide a small torch. Using his free hand, Harry lit one up, much to Hermione's surprise. He just smiled at her as they headed toward the lake.

His hand gave the lake an eerie glow to it, and Harry was about to ask what they were doing out here, when Midnight handed him three short candles.

“Light these, and let them float in the lake.” Midnight said as Hermione let Harry go. “Watch them, understand them, and let them die how they need to. If the wind should blow them out, then that will happen. Don't force them to go out, or you'll feel it even worse.” Harry nodded, lighting the three candles.

He looked around before putting the candles in the lake. The area of the attack was now back to normal, covered by a fine green grass. Harry was surprised to see it there, after what he heard about his power. Maybe Ron had something to do with it.

Harry let the candles float onto the water as Hermione walked away with Midnight. They began to form a triad in the water, shifting around together. It was amazing as the flames almost danced with one another. Harry almost felt sorry for them as the flames finally disappeared into the wind.

“Congratulations,” Midnight said as Hermione surrounded him in a bone crushing hug. “You now, shouldn't feel any more pain from that attack.”

“How?”

“Fire Elements can see the people's flames of life and when they extinguish one, they feel that flame's pain, but this will only happen if the flame was just or if the Elemental killed with hatred.” Hermione said as Harry wrapped his arms around her. Harry looked over to Midnight who looked surprised as well.

“Don't look at me. Danielle must've told her.” Hermione nodded at them.

“Yeah, she explained everything to me, about your Element, and mine.” Hermione said as Harry stood up, taking her with him.

“So what do you know about yours?” Harry asked as the two of them began to walk back to the castle.

“Well, after a while, I'll be able to fly through the air and create short blasts of air and electricity. With my Storm Element, I'll be able to control the weather to an extent.” Hermione said with a smile. “What about you, what can you do?”

“Besides what you've seen already?” Harry asked. Hermione nodded as she laid her head against his shoulder. “Well, there isn't much, but I think I have an Animagus form, so do you.”

“You mean it?” Hermione said, jumping up and down excitedly.

“Yeah. Midnight said that we each have one that reflects our souls, so I know yours will be beautiful.” Harry said kissing her check. They began to head toward their room, not caring what the other kids thought. Most of them just went on their way, but some did stop and stare at them.

Once back at their room, Harry looked around for a bit. There were no longer two beds.

Instead, there was one large bed covered in dark red sheets. Hermione blushed when Harry looked over at her.

“Hermione, what happened to the two beds?” Harry asked, shocked by it.

“You don't like it?” She looked down at the floor.

“I love it, just I'm surprised that you would want to . . .” Harry's voice dropped off as Hermione looked at him.

“Share a bed?” Hermione said with a seductive smile.

“Now who needs to get their mind out of the gutter?” Harry asked embracing her. Doing the one thing left on his mind after the long week, Harry kissed her with all the passion he had. And when she gladly returned it, it made him kiss her even deeper. His tongue ran across her lips, begging for entrance. Once hers opened, they explored each others mouth as well as each others hearts. The taste she gave was wonderful and Harry began the long but amazing process of memorizing her mouth. It was only polite to do the same, and he let Hermione into his mouth. And she still amazed him, the taste even better.

Once they broke their connection, Harry rested his forehead on hers. “I love you `Mione.” Harry said, kissing her forehead.

“I love you too, Harry.” Hermione said stealing his lips from him.

They stood at the entrance, just snogging each other until Harry lifted her off the floor, without breaking away from her lips. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he supported her. Walking across the room to the couch, they continued to snog, falling asleep with their lips connected.

/ / / / /

The next couple of days, everything went into a normal routine. Ron was back on speaking terms, and he and Harry were preparing the team for their next Quidditch match. Hermione would study in the library, and Harry would join her any chance he had. The three of them would do homework in the Common Room, until Hermione wanted to go back to their room.

Ron didn't seem to have a problem with Harry and Hermione's relationship. They sat together and talked everything over late that Friday night at the library. It was just about the only time they really sat down and talk about it. Ron was in fact the one to suggest it.

“I'm sorry for everything I did.” Ron said as they sat down at the table.

“Ron, we've been through this.” Harry said with a smile.

“I know. I just wanted you both to know, that I'm okay with this.” Ron said, not making eye contact. “I'm okay with you two going out.” He looked over to Hermione. “I was jealous how you'd look at Harry when he gave you something, and you'd never give me that look. At first I was willing to break it off with you, then something happened, and I felt trapped in my body.” Ron said, now finding his lap interesting.

“As hard as I tried, I could only watch as whatever that was, did those things.” Ron explained. “In my heart, I know that those were my feelings and whatever it was, was acting them out.”

“Ron, you had a right to feel that way.” Hermione said as Harry just squeezed her hand. “I wasn't necessarily the best girlfriend to you.”

“No, you were the best. I just didn't deserve you.” Ron interrupted. He got her to blush at this statement. “After all of this, I finally realized that Harry deserves someone like you, who'll always be with him. During the battle, the way Harry looked at you only solidified what I thought from the beginning.”

“You'll find someone right for you too, Ron.” Hermione said with tears in her eyes.

“Yeah, you're right,” Ron said, still looking at his lap. “Thanks for listening.” He stood up to leave, but Harry stopped him.

“How do you know Midnight?” He asked, getting Ron to sit back down.

“My brother Bill met him a while back when he was down in Egypt.” Ron said, looking like he was thinking. “Midnight was down in this pyramid, looking at the gems. He ended up helping Bill identify all of them, in exchange for keeping a small sapphire and a ruby.”

“Did Bill have any idea who he was?” Hermione asked as Ron shook his head.

“Midnight at the time went by the name Dr. Henry Jones Junior.” Ron said, taking out a small medallion from his pocket. “He gave this to Bill and Bill gave it to me.” He handed it to Harry to look at.

It was a simple golden medallion with numbers written around the edge of it. In the center there was a bird and a fire was underneath it. “What do these numbers mean?” Harry asked, showing to Hermione.

“I don't know. Bill didn't even know when Midnight gave it to him.” Ron said as Hermione studied it. “The only word Bill ever heard from his mouth about it was `Death' when he found it. He then told him to give it to me.”

“How did Midnight know about you?” Hermione asked as she handed back the medallion.

“Bill said something about it being in his report, but Midnight talked in such fragments that it didn't make sense.” Ron said as he pocketed the medallion.

“Well he got over that quickly.” Harry said with a smile. Hermione had a look on her face, that both of them knew only too well. “Well, if she's going to drag us to this place every day, might as well get the books now.” Harry stood up from his chair and walked over to Madam Pince.

“What's he talking about?” Hermione asked, looking over at Harry.

“We both know you want to start looking into this right away.” Ron said as Harry disappeared behind one of the shelves.

“Is it that obvious?” Hermione asked, blushing a bit as Harry returned with several books in his hands.

“No, we just know you well enough.” Harry said, placing them on the table. “I got all there was on medallions and anything like that. And before you ask, I've already checked them out.”

“What would I do without you?” Hermione said, giving him a kiss on the check.

“Probably get someone else to do it.” Ron said as he took a book. “Mind if I take this back to the Common Room?”

“No, go right ahead,” Harry said as Ron left.

“Thanks,” he called from over his shoulder.

“You know, I don't think he's too comfortable with us going out yet.” Hermione said as Harry slid down in a seat next to her.

“Give him time, when he wants his space we'll give it to him, but I'm not letting you push me away, just to make him feel better.” Harry said to her kissing her cheek. “If he is our friend, he'll understand that. I need you `Mione.”

“And I you,” Hermione kissed him and then rested her head on his shoulder. Harry picked up one of the books and began to read it while Hermione read another.

They spent the rest of the time they had, reading about different medallions and their uses. Harry had never known there to be so many different ways a simple wooden circle could be enchanted. Even the Enchantment class he took now didn't go over everything. Hermione had begun to take notes on everything she read about, but he figured he'd just remember it.

Madame Pince finally kicked them out when it got close to curfew. Taking the books with them, they headed toward their room. As much as Hermione wanted to read that night, Harry had convinced her that they should just go to bed. She had been up the past few nights, working on her homework, and dragged Harry with her. Although all of the homework was finished, Harry hadn't enjoyed her to himself in almost a week and it was beginning to irritate him.

“You're mine now, Hermione.” Harry said to her. He lifted her playfully off the floor and before she could protest, he had captured her lips. He wouldn't let her leave his arms until the following morning.

“Mr. Potter, I wouldn't have it any other way.” She said when they broke off the kiss. This only made Harry press even harder into the kiss.

They ended up on the bed, Hermione still kissing him as she fell asleep. Harry wouldn't let her out of his arms until the morning, and even then, he knew that he wanted nothing more than keep her there for the rest of his life. At that moment, he knew the present he would get her for Christmas, because he held his world that night, and he wasn't going to let her get away.