Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters and story affiliations mentioned in this fan fiction all belong to JK Rowling and legal associations. I own nothing of it nor am I profiting from it now or planning to in the future in any way. The only exception of profit is to my self for literary improvement.
Author to Reader Note: I seriously wish to apologize for the nearly unforgivable delay of this chapter. I was hoping to only be delayed by midterms and work but a serious family situation occurred because of the US war with Iraq, I had to delay things further since members of my family were called into service which required some young cousins of mine to need my attention. If any readers have dealt with young children, than it is known that they can be quite a distracting handful.
I only got to spend barely a week on this chapter aside from adding bits here and there when I could, so this is another chapter I'm not entirely proud of as it will suffer revisions.
I really implore for reviews and thank those of you have.
I don't know the layout of Hogwarts in terms of where stairs, doors and whatever else so please bear with me as I'm most likely incorrect.
I would like to say thank you to Victoria, I edited Chapter 3 Museum of Dark Arts to correct Harry's birth name. I never said I was an expert so thanks for the correction.
Again thanks to Victoria for the correction on the Alley of Diagon Alley.
If you have questions you just HAVE to ask or would like to give me a more in depth review (of which I encourage) you can send/e-mail them to itmonster@hotmail.com. It's the e-mail I use for my fan fictions, so it's cool.
Revised 6/8/03
Harry Potter and the Turmoil Within
Chapter 20
Way of Earth
Hermione stood at a window that overlooked the vast lightly snow covered fields around Hogwarts but this view she did not see as a book laying on the sill of the window held her attention. Page after page she absorbed the information while bathing in the sunlight and breathing the cold fresh air.
"Another book Granger," said an insulting voice behind her?
Hermione turned suddenly to see who had spoken to her.
"Standing there with that hair I'd almost think you were some kind of plant," continued the same voice?
As Hermione turned, she came to see a group of fifth year girls behind her. Comprised of three Slytherins and seemed to be led by one named Sylvia. The lead Slytherin girl had shiny straight black hair, skin as pale white like a pearl and deep sapphire eyes. Hermione knew her from the Arithmacy class they shared. The other two were unknown to her but she did recognize that this Sylvia and her two companions were among those few girls most sought after by many of the boys at Hogwarts.
"What do you want," asked Hermione warily?
"Just to talk," asked Sylvia in a strangely friendly voice," You know… just… girl to girl?"
Hermione wasn't sure why yet but there was something not right about this. Sylvia had never spoken to her before and given the usually turbulent relations between Slytherins and Gryffindors, it was strange that she would suddenly want to talk with Hermione in a friendly nature.
"What about," asked Hermione, reaching behind her and pulling her book back, closing it?
"Oh you know… basic things… hair spells… facial potions," spoke Sylvia airily but her voice changed to a more decisive tone," robe fashions… boys?"
Hermione replied with nothing, as she watched the other girls with her glaring back. She wasn't sure but figured what this was leading to.
Sylvia stepped forward reaching out and adjusted ermione
Hermione's robes pulling them apart slightly.
"I want to know," spoke Sylvia quietly but deceptively," What is so unique about you… that can keep Harry's interests… since he pays no attention to… anyone else?"
Hermione glared back, waiting, knowing there was something more to the question.
"After all… there are others," continued Sylvia, her chest puffing out, "More endowed."
Hermione understood the signal Sylvia was giving but still remained silent, wondering what and how to answer.
Daken's prior words replayed in her mind.
Harry won't respond like other boys… there are other challenges… girls… that will be in your favor.
Harry's word replayed as well.
How you brighten at knowing the answer… the excitement in your eyes when you learn something.
"Maybe Harry looks for how a person is rather than how they look," responded Hermione sternly.
Sylvia looked unconvinced with her expression and responded, "Oh please… the interests of all boys are very limited… just one thing."
"Then you don't realize that… that," stuttered Hermione momentarily, "Harry isn't like other boys… four years here should have made that clear to anyone."
"Or maybe, the rumors are true," sneered Sylvia, squinting her eyes," That Harry has a very satisfying relationship with you?"
Hermione could feel herself go red as her face heated. The insinuation so clear and direct that Hermione wasn't sure what to respond with.
"You're just jealous," snapped a new voice nearby!
Hermione turned to see Ron's friend Rela walking towards them.
"You just can't accept that there are boys who don't follow you around like drooling dogs," continued Rela towards them, "Sniffing at your skirt."
Sylvia's expression changed fast and evident to the unwanted intrusion.
Rela stood near Hermione and the Sylvia gave a deathly glare back. Rela's interruption had given Hermione a chance to contemplate an answer.
"I do give Harry a 'satisfying' relationship," replied Hermione, causing both girls to turn their attention back at her.
At the same moment, Hermione could see Lavender and her sister peering around the corner, both anxiously awaiting the outcome of the encounter.
The other two Slytherin girls continued to stare dumbstruck, Rela look worried and Sylvia's face turned slowly to expectation.
"With me… and Ron… Harry can be himself… not the Boy Who Lived… not the Great Harry Potter… … not anything but himself… just Harry," explained Hermione, "That is what satisfies him… real friends…with real people… not a bunch of giggling twits who just want his fame."
Sylvia lost her look of expectation and joined the others with expression of surprise but the not overlooking the insult either.
That said, Hermione swiftly picked up her bag and walked away while unable to hide a small smile of satisfaction. Rela quickly joined her but said nothing at first.
-Harry's right,- thought Hermione as she walked away, -Everyone has some ridiculous idea of him… is there anyone who does care about the real him… no wonder he's getting angry so easily… but lately he's been so… subdued.-
"A knut for your thoughts," asked Rela seeing a concerned look on Hermione's face and adding, "Those girls just can't stand competition from anyone."
"It's not them," answered Hermione, quietly, "Its Harry… I just realize that something doesn't seem right."
"I know… Ron's been telling me all about the different adventures you've all had in your time here," replied Rela, "And this trouble with Malleck… and what it seems to have been doing to Harry."
Hermione looked to Rela as they walked; curiosities clear in her face.
Rela interpreted the question in Hermione's expression and answered, "Ever since Ron and I met… we've been getting to know each other… when he brought me your cat… I noticed he was being vague about things especially when he tried to explain why Crookshanks was hurt."
"Why would he tell you and not me," asked Hermione?
Rela hesitated a second then answered, "Because you've been going through something too… and Ron didn't know how to talk to Harry about it… so he came to me."
Hermione said nothing but continued to walk on and Rela added to her reply.
"We have the same Divination class… when things started to happen with Harry… and you… well one thing led to another and he started confiding everything to me… so yeah from the way Ron describes Harry, it's obvious that Harry is acting different… Ron knows something is wrong… and I know I don't him like you two but I sense something weird as well… I don't know how but I get a funny feeling about it like… like a cold draft," finished Rela.
Hermione stopped suddenly and Rela stopped a foot ahead of her.
"What is it," asked Rela quietly, turning to see Hermione behind her, an expression of hinted anger and a kind of sadness.
"I… I had a talk with McGonagall," responded Hermione, hesitantly," About… about something that happened to me… she said I had been missing… things… but I thought that she meant homework… but lately… these weeks… and the other day in the corridor… he snapped when I mentioned… like he knew… but he can't have… Ron may blurt things but he always keeps important promises… he wouldn't have… but then why did Harry react to that?"
Rela didn't respond to Hermione's odd explanation, since it was more directed to herself than to Rela.
Instead Rela responded with, "How about we get the boys from the Great Hall and go some where else on our own? Then… you guys can talk."
Hermione looked back with a smile and continued to walk on, "Not just us… you're in this too now… I guess."
However their plans were halted as they came upon an intense commotion at the entrance to the Great Hall. Many students were gathered around and all of them seemed excited by something. Hermione knew that McGonagall would disapprove of this chaos in the halls, so her duty as a Prefect became necessary.
Hermione shifted her bag and adjusted her uniform slightly, making sure that her badge was clear to see. That done she headed into the crowd, announcing her presence as a Prefect and Rela followed as best as she could.
Hermione made it through most of the crowd towards the center to see what was causing the commotion when she met the back of a large person with a furred cloak and a familiar accent.
"What is going on here," demanded Hermione?
The large person turned and Hermione can face to face with a wizard with black hair and a long knapped black beard. The same wizard also had black beady eyes and hunch to his posture.
"Hello Herm-own-ninny," greeted the wizard with a smirk.
The wizard… Victor Krum.
Krum began to walk towards her but Hermione stood in place. Krum had been wrong about Harry and that fact alone was all that kept her place. But it did not stop her from suddenly pulling her robes closer together and her body went tense, an act that did not go unnoticed by Rela and some others present.
A short distance away though, another group was observing the same scene…
"I can take him now," stated Daken," He's on Hogwarts grounds… away from the protection of Bulgaria."
"No," replied Dumbledore, quietly but a hint of sternness in his voice, "Certain events must play themselves out before any intervention from us can be helpful."
"What is that suppose to mean," snapped Daken?
"She must face him," explained McGonagall, a placid tone to her quiet and usually sharp voice, "She stands with her peers… fellow house members… friends… even having gained her answers from Harry… yet she just stands there… she's still afraid of him… can't even speak… if she doesn't face it now… she'll always be held back."
Daken gave a snort of surrender but replied with, "She may not get a chance… since its already starting to get cold."
Dumbledore said nothing but McGonagall could see worry in his smile as on a strange cue the temperature of the room dropped quickly.
The students around suddenly quieted as the change in temperature became apparent. The torches in the halls began to dim and Hermione felt her hair frizz slightly. Hermione turned as did others to see Harry descend the stairs towards the group with Ron only a step behind.
Something flashed in Harry's eyes but he was too far away for Hermione to fully see it. The Hogwarts and Durmstrang students alike all seem to quiet themselves to whispers as Harry approached.
Rela watched and wondered, seeing as students moved to either side letting Harry through. At that moment, they all seemed afraid of him but Krum did not, rather he seem to expect Harry.
Harry walked up to Krum but rather than anything bad occurring as surrounding events normally indicated, he extended his hand with a smile.
"Hello Krum," greeted Harry pleasantly, "I'm glad we'll have a chance at each other… ever since I saw you play last summer, I wondered what it would be like to play you in Quidditch… so I'm really excited to face you in an exhibition match."
Krum did something equivalent of a smile under his bristled knap of a beard as he took Harry's hand in his own and replied with, "Yes… it vill be a very exciting day tomorrow… vor us all."
A moment later, the students moved into the Great Hall but Hermione among a select few other girls did not. Ginny and Rela stood by as Hermione remained rooted to the same spot since meeting Krum. Hermione had paled and was trembling more so.
"Hermione," inquired Ginny, quietly?
Hermione kept her gaze away from them, towards the floor.
"Hermione," inquire Ginny again?
"I'm going back to my dormitory, "announced Hermione.
Hermione turned and nearly sprinted away, leaving the remaining girls to their derived opinions of the encounter.
"Now what," asked Ginny, a note strong worry present in her voice?
A quick breeze blew through the hall and Rela turned around to face Ginny suddenly gasping suddenly and Ginny stared back at her.
"I don't think will have to," whispered Rela, her eyes wide as she stared past Ginny.
"Why," began Ginny turning around as well to see behind her but stopped?
Both girls stood in the hall before the doors to the Great Hall to see Harry standing there, a strange look his face.
Harry said not a word but turned slowly back into the Great Hall. Ginny and Rela couldn't help but notice that his hands were bawled to fists and white from being tensely clenched. Ginny privately noted that even though Harry was only a short distance away, she couldn't see much bright green in his eyes.
Harry's eyes are the key to him… you can tell if he's angry or hurt just by looking at them.
Hermione's words from the other day repeated in Ginny's mind.
"They were dark," she whispered.
"He's planning something," replied Rela.
With that Rela and Ginny went into the Great Hall.
Daken continued to stand in the side hallway watching the scene as it played out with Dumbledore and McGonagall standing by. But his attention changed as two more wizards approached. One Daken knew to be the new Headmaster of Durmstrang but the other couldn't be who he thought it was, even though scent was too familiar.
"It can't be," whispered Daken, watching the wizard?
"Remember things are not what they may seem," whispered Dumbledore, loudly.
The unknown wizard removed his furred cloak and hat to reveal long silvery blond hair. Daken knew of only one wizard with hair like that… Lucius Malfoy.
Daken moved fast and, without notice of most others, was behind Lucius in a second.
Lucius turned and smiled wickedly to Daken as he if expecting the meeting.
"Daken… what a surprise… I didn't know you were teaching here," greeted Malfoy in an obviously fake but humored tone, insult sewn into every syllable.
"What are you doing here," growled Daken, seeing the furred cloak in Malfoy's hand, "Have you been in Bulgaria?"
"Why… yes," chuckled Malfoy, his sneering tone still the same, "I took holiday there previously in the summer… but after the horrible incident with the Museum… and the suggestion of the Quidditch game… I just knew I had to get involved… especially after everything dear Harry went through… and of course his… friends the pauper and… the muggle."
Daken turned his view, looking through the opening to the Great Hall where Harry sat conversing from across Krum.
-The boy knows what happened… but he's talking with him like there was nothing that happened… but why, - thought Daken?
He returned his attention back to Lucius Malfoy continuing his thoughts, -He said he'd been on holiday… previously… maybe before she came… then… it's a setup… but how?-
Daken brought his wand into view but Lucius closed the space between them with a quick step, blocking Daken's arm from aiming the wand.
"Careful now," whispered Lucius, as other wizards were arriving from the staircase, "Don't want to have to explain things… or reveal your true form… not yet anyways… not until the expected match is over… and the prize is won."
Daken gripped his wand tightly, cracking his knuckles and glared at Lucius, growls held tight in his throat.
"What have you done," quietly growled Daken?
Lucius's face became a sculptured form of sinister expression yielding great devious joy and withheld secrets as his eyes glared with a sneering grin.
"I've just been… arranging things," answered Lucius, a small growl in his voice now, "Wouldn't want Malleck to have all the fun now would we… or rather… Markus... wasn't it?"
"Damn," whispered Daken as he moved his eyes to see into the Great Hall where Harry sat across from Krum, conversing.
Lucius turned away, saying nothing more and met with arriving wizards.
Dumbledore and McGonagall had left their spot in the background to join with the newly arrived wizards and Daken simply left.
The evening feast was consumed and in time, students left for their Houses. The Durmstrang students retired to their ship for the night.
Hermione had been in her dormitory since early the in evening. Prodding from Ginny or any of the other girls did nothing to sway her to leave or talk about anything outside of Hogwarts business.
However, late into the night, Hermione awakened to strange cold breeze in the room. Lavender and her other roommates seemed unaffected and the large bay window appeared to be closed. She looked around and nothing seemed out of order, even Crookshanks seemed to be snoozing soundly at the foot of her bed. Since she was suddenly awake, Hermione decided to take a bit of a walk around the common room. So she quietly slipped out from the covers and into her dressing robe, put on her slippers while heading out to the common room.
Hermione quietly shut the door to the girls' dormitory, pausing briefly as Crookshanks appeared to exit whishing to follow her, and descended the stairs to the common room. However she soon discovered she was not the only person awake. She had only taken a few steps away from the foot of the stairs when she saw a figure sitting in the furthest plush chair away from her. The common room was all but completely dark as the only light present came from the moonlight shining in from the windows.
"Who," began Hermione but realized the answer as the moonlight revealed a sparkling emerald green she recognized, "Is that you, Harry?"
"Yeah," answered Harry.
"What are you doing," she asked, as she approached?
Hermione got close enough to see Harry close a book in his lap and put a quill into an ink bottle on the side table.
"Writing in my journal," answered Harry.
Hermione looked around a moment, seeing again as the room was dark. No fire, no candles, nothing but moon light from the windows, not to mention how cold it felt in the room even with the low temperatures of the castle at this time of year. Her dressing gown and slippers did little to resist the cold in the room.
"You should be in bed," spoke Hermione, seeing her misty breathe, "You need your rest… you're competing tomorrow."
"Can't sleep… guess I'm too anxious," chuckled Harry, "What about you?"
"A cold draft woke me," replied Hermione, "Guess I got a chill and just decided to walk a bit out here."
After replying, Hermione notice something strange about the scene. Hermione realized she was in her sleeping attire covered in a dressing robe and with slippers on her bare feet but even though these items do little against the cold, Harry was dressed much the same except the cold did not appear to bother him while she shivered.
"Are you coming," asked Harry, "To the game?"
Hermione shook her head, replying with, "No… I'm going to stay in the castle and watch… I'm a Prefect after all… I need to keep order for those students… who aren't going or didn't buy tickets… how was dinner?"
Harry seem to stare at her a second before he answered.
"The usual after all the excitement from Durmstrang's arrival calmed," answered Harry, "Even got to have a chat with Krum… seems he's fancies a chance to chat with you again."
Though her robe was tied tight already, she crossed her arms pulling the fabric tighter around herself. Harry didn't miss a single move she made since he mentioned Krum's interest in her.
"Aren't you cold," asked Hermione, seemingly changing the subject, "It's freezing in here?"
"No," answered Harry, standing up, leaving his journal behind in the chair.
Harry removed his own robe and covered Hermione with it. Harry stood in his pajamas, bare feet to the floor but all Hermione could do was blush to his gentlemanly act.
Do you think he vill suddenly vall in love vith you…
Think he vill suddenly say such a thing…
He vill do nothing…
Nothing you do vill get a reaction vrom him…
He vill choose someone appropriate…
Krum's word etched across her mind like hard chalk against an old blackboard as Harry's arms went around her, pulling the cloth of his robe to the front of her. Nothing in his actions resembled Krum's words and she felt her heart beat quicken as a thought came to mind.
"Harry… I… I want to ask you something," asked Hermione, her voice suddenly low?
Harry gave her a strange look, asking in return, "Why ask me if you can… just ask me whatever?"
"It's not that simple," she replied, fidgeting slightly.
"Well why not," pushed Harry, "I don't understand why you're being like this… you've never had a problem saying or asking what you want… so why can't it be simple?"
"That's because I know what I was doing then," snapped Hermione before softening, "I've… well I've never done this before… so."
She glanced at Harry before turning her vision away again but she had enough of a chance to see his eyes and expression of puzzlement.
"Alright… well… then," stumbled Harry, his voice soft," Take… your… time… I guess."
Hermione dared to look at him again and saw Harry's green eyes shiny brilliantly, more than what the moonlight could do. She felt confidence and resolve come as she looked into the eyes of Harry Potter. Emerald eyes that illuminated great strength, compassion and concern just looking to her in that moment while holding back so many secrets… and great pains.
"What do you think of… when… you look at me," whispered Hermione?
Harry blinked a few times as the question sunk into his mind.
"I'm not sure," he replied slowly, clearing his throat nervously, "I think all kinds of things… I'm not sure about all of it… I've… well I've stared… at you... a few times."
Even in the strong cold and dim light of the room Hermione could see Harry begin to fidget and his face blush a serve shade of red. A physical response she easily interpreted to mean.
"And when I've stared… I sometimes… I begin to … to think about," continued Harry clumsily before a hand touched his lips.
Harry directed his vision to see that Hermione had closed the gap between them almost instantly and had placed her hand to his lips, smiling.
She stepped closer to him, leaving barely enough room between them for wand. Harry felt the fabric covering her chest touch his own, causing his heart to rapidly almost instantly. A scent of flowers filled his lungs quickly and felt his legs begin to numb. She was right in front of him and showing no sign of moving away.
Hermione looked up at him, given that he was slightly taller, and Harry let his impulse take control as he felt him-self begin to lean forward.
His eyes closed and within a moment could feel Hermione's breath on his face telling that was how far away she was now.
Harry was sure something was about to happen.
Suddenly a loud cat like hiss sounded along with a quick yelp and a thud.
Harry retracted him-self and heard Hermione mutter something under her breath.
He opened his eyes to see Hermione whirl around and both could see Crookshanks on the landing, its hair standing, hissing madly. A moment later a figure appeared from the ledge way wall and the moon light revealed enough for them to recognize Lavender. The nosy girl gave them a nervous smile and quickly retreated back to the girls' dormitory.
Hermione turned around again and without warning kissed Harry's cheek, letting part of her lips touch his in the action.
"Goodnight," she said quickly, before dropping his robe to the floor, leaving and heading back to the girls' dormitory.
He was so surprised by the whole moment that he just stood there.
Meanwhile Hermione stormed loudly into the girls' dormitory, ignoring whether she woke anybody or not, slamming the door behind her. An action that made the remaining girls that had been asleep to awaken with a fright. Lavender stood a few feet away, a smirk evident on her face but vanished when Hermione expression locked on to her. The girls' sat in confusion, asking sleepily what was happening but Hermione ignored them and advanced on Lavender.
"Well… it seems you and Harry," began Lavender, sounding smug before Hermione cut her off.
"Prefect or not," yelled Hermione, anger more than evident, "I have my limits… so keep that wart of nose out of my life… no spying... no lurking about around corners… no Tarot cards… no Divination at all… nothing period… or your going to need more than McGonagall to stop me from making my point any further… am I making myself perfectly clear!"
Lavender made a noise to resist but Hermione cut her off.
"Yes or no," demanded Hermione?
Lavender took a quick glance from the corner of her eye to notice that the flowers on her night stand were blooming even at this time of night. All the girls felt a strange energy in the room and Lavender could see something in Hermione's eyes that made the threat even stranger.
"Yes," Lavender muttered.
Hermione swiftly turned and saying nothing more climbed back into bed, Crookshanks following as well.
Lavender took a moment to breath and headed back for her own bed. As she pulled the blankets onto herself, she happened to look out the bay window of their room and noticed that there were thick vines covering the large panes.
-Weird, - she thought before allowing sleep to hold.
The next morning, many found Dumbledore to have been right to cancel classes for the day as chaos consumed the school. Magical people from all over came to Hogwarts grounds, many of them a relation to a student. A good number of them an elite group of wizards and witches with heavier purses, happy to have that fact paraded around. Vendors were everywhere, apparently, at the permission of Dumbledore, selling everything from Bulgarian drinks to simple toys of Quidditch.
Some were there taking bets on the outcome of the game and many were placing their gold on the line.
Meanwhile the Hogwarts team was in the locker room preparing for the match.
Ron stood off to the side, leaning against a locker watching as Harry strapped up his Quidditch bracers.
Part of the conversation between Harry and Krum at yesterdays evening feast replayed in Ron's mind.
Krum and Harry sat across from each other at the Gryffindor table at Harry's request as they stepped into the Great Hall. As they had begun to sit down, prior to Dumbledore's evening announcements of the next day's class cancellations, eruptions of joy from the students and welcoming of Durmstrang, Harry excused him-self, stepping out of the Great Hall for a minute.
Ron took a moment to look Krum over, watching the wizard that had enraged Harry into a silent scheming frenzy these past two weeks. Victor Krum, the wizard that had harmed Crookshanks and then made an attempt to assault their friend, Hermione.
Ron could feel his own anger rise as that wizard sat with them, uncaring to the effects of his own desires on his friends. Ron could his body heat at his rising anger; he barely noticed that the pumpkin juice was stale to the taste having been suddenly heated even when taking a drink from the goblet.
He didn't act on it knowing that Harry already had something in mind, so Ron just watched as the wizard clumsily shoveled food into his mouth, occasionally glancing about with his wide eyed look.
When Harry returned, he quickly launched into a conversation with Krum after that and Ron could easily see where it was leading.
"Can I ask you a personal question," asked Harry casually changing the subject from past year's events and to where Hermione was?
Krum shook his head and gave a grunt as he shoveled a large chunk of steak into his mouth.
"In Bulgaria… or really anywhere, " began Harry, "Does it ever bother you the way people go on about you… like give things… or do stuff for you… or constantly make a big deal about you?"
"Of course not," answered Krum, in an oddly nasty way.
Ron watched Harry give him a quick glance before looking back to Krum.
"I don't like it," replied Harry, somewhat loudly, "First day I was here… every one was staring or whispering about me… some would walk the halls and double back to past me again to see my scar… first years still do that."
"So vhat," shrugged Krum, giving Harry a quick wide eyed look, "Vhat does it matter how they act… use it to your advantage."
"That's just it," responded Harry, "I don't want to… I'd rather just be left alone or treated the same as everyone else."
"Vhy vould you vant that," snapped Krum, seemingly disgusted by Harry's response?
Harry took a drink of pumpkin juice from his goblet and answered, "The people I lived with away from and before coming to Hogwarts use to watch me constantly… never giving me a moment's peace... and I've seen what spoiled people are like... and what they try to get away with."
At the last comment, Krum stared at Harry with his wide eyed stare, narrowing slightly as if judging to see if Harry's last comment was meant as an insult. Harry didn't look back at him but paid more attention to the food on his plate.
"Like my cousin," added Harry quickly, shaking his head as he poked at mash potatoes, "My Aunt and Uncle give him anything he so much as sniffles about."
Harry looked up at Krum, locking eye with him and finished with, "Now people treat me that here… and I don't like it."
"Vhy are you telling me this," whispered Krum?
Harry kept their stare down alive and answered with, "Guess I thought we were a lot alike… but we're actually quite different… what do you think… are there similarities between us?"
Krum looked away and answered with one last statement before the conversation ended, "There may be one or two things we haff similar interests in."
Ron remember as Harry gave Krum a dark look before the evening feast finally ended with Krum following his team back to their ship and the Hogwarts students leaving for their Houses.
The conversation went no further between them but it was clear that the words said were not limited to the ears of the intended party as stares and whispers continued through the table.
Ron watched Harry finish the last strap on his bracers and stand to put on his coverlet. Before doing so, Harry pulled a tightly folded black cloth bundle from his bag as well as a familiar looking old parchment.
"What are you doing with those," asked Ron?
Before Harry answered he put the items into a neatly and newly sewn pocket inside of his coverlet and put it on.
"Because Hermione's not here at the field, " answered Harry quietly but a slight dark tone, "With have three games to go through… and in case he decides to sit one out… I just want to be ready."
"You really think he'll try something here at Hogwarts," inquired Ron?
Harry looked at his friend, responding darkly, "It doesn't matter if he does or not… Krum won't be leaving."
Ron was responded before a yell was heard and a rude response came, "What you doing here… you're not supposed to be seen?"
Harry turned and the two boys looked down the way to see the Slytherin beater yell at Dobby.
Dobby tried to respond with, "But Dobby is supposed to come… Dobby is needed."
"Says who," snapped the Slytherin?
Before Dobby could answer there was a loud slam of locker door and everyone turned to its direction.
"That would be me," stated Harry then his voice became darker into a warning, "Now leave him alone."
No one said anything more as the left for the field entrance and Dobby sprinted happily towards Ron and Harry.
Harry made ready to say something but Dobby perked up and stated in an oddly stern tone, "Dobby is ready."
Ron hadn't been told by Harry that Dobby had a part but as to what he never found out.
Rather than say anything, Harry gave the elf a smile and grabbed his broom.
They left elf behind for its task and joined the assorted team members at the locker exit to the field.
They all stepped onto the field and the crowd cheered as the announcer, Lee Jordan best friend to the Weasley twins, called attention to their arrival. The Durmstrang team was already lined up at the middle of the field awaiting the opposing team. They lined up across from Durmstrang, player to player according to position.
Announcements were made, the crowd continued their cheering excitement and Madam Hooch called for the players to mount; then take their positions.
Ron mounted his broom and as he headed for the Hogwarts goals but noticed that crowd began to go silent. A distance sound of thunder reached his ears and for the first time since stepping onto the field, Ron noticed dark clouds in the sky. They were spread out but there was enough to suggest a coming storm. He turned around on his broom to look back to see why the crowd still seemed so quiet and found his answer.
Krum and Harry still stood on the ground, facing each other, having done nothing.
It seemed a stand off to who would move first and neither seemed ready to relent.
Madam Hooch floated a short distance away from them but she called out and said for them to take positions.
Ron watched as they both mounted their brooms and floated up past the chasers and Madam Hooch awaiting to release the Quaffle.
Just before Madam Hooch released the Quaffle, Harry gave one last statement.
"No mater what happen Krum," stated Harry, "You get away from me."
With that Madam Hooch released the Quaffle, the chasers went forth and the game began.
Elsewhere Hermione stood in the back of the Great Hall watching the game start, contemplating why Harry and Krum had a stand off.
A giant mist at the front of the Hall was displaying the game from the announcer's seat and Lee Jordan's voice filled the hall.
The Chasers are off and Hogwarts has the Quaffle first.
And here come the Bludgers.
From the mist Hermione could see that Harry wasn't even looking for the snitch, instead he only watched Krum.
Time went by and the students in the Great Hall responded to called fouls, executed plays and the scoring of points.
The one thing everyone found odd was that Krum and Harry still stay in the same spot. The game had gone on a while now but the snitch never seemed to appear.
So far the score is fifty to ten in favor of Hogwarts and still no sign of the Snitch… someone check to make sure it was actually released.
Hermione agreed it was strange that the Snitch had still not appeared but what made her nervous was that the Bludgers had not come near the Seekers. Usually Harry had trouble with Bludgers even when they're not enchanted to act otherwise.
Then there was a flash of gold between them and both seekers took off after it.
The crowd roared with excitement and announcer focused on the Seekers rather than the Quaffle.
That was when Hermione along with most everyone watched the game take a new violent turn.
Harry trailed Krum only by a short distance as Krum raced the Snitch around the field.
The intensity of the crowd shifted as Krum reached for the Snitch and by a surprise of speed, Harry was beside him. Rather then reach for the Snitch him-self, Krum saw in the corner of his eye as gave him a smirk and slammed into him. An action that caused Krum hit the stone wall hard.
Krum regained his balance and his composure quick. He made ready to take chase after Harry for the Snitch only to find Harry hovering in front of him.
The crowd quieted at the sight and Madam Hooch came to them.
Before she said anything, Harry spoke up, "Lost the Snitch in the commotion… you alright?"
Krum gave a grunt while keeping his wide eyed star on Harry in an angered fashion.
Madam Hooch left and the Krum took off with Harry in tow.
Ron had a hard time following the game as it seemed that two different games were going on.
The Chasers sent the Quaffle about as it exchanged possession and went to the goals.
The other game seemed to be between the Seekers. The Snitch would appear and they'd chase after it but it was clear to even a novice of Quidditch watchers that Harry wasn't going after the Snitch. Instead he use any and every opportunity to injure Krum even if it meant hurting him-self. After nearly an hour, both Harry and Krum were covered with dirt, their uniforms smeared with grass stains and tears all over from hitting the stone of the field walls.
Both were battered and bruised, to the surprise of some, the crowd was enjoying it.
It was more of a duel between Krum and Harry than a Quidditch game.
In the Great Hall, ignoring her duty as a Prefect Hermione became increasingly worried at the fact that the Bludgers had still not come near them.
A time out was called and the teams were gathered to give them a chance to exchange players.
"Why won't you get the snitch," barked the Slytherin beater as he came onto the field to replace a worn out Ravenclaw beater?
"It's not against the rules to not get the Snitch," responded Ron, "Or for the Seekers to have it out."
"Well we're not all like you," continued the Slytherin, "Some of us are human… and can't play forever!"
Ron didn't like what was said but Harry intervened before Ron did anything.
"You're right," said Harry in a oddly calm voice, "Can't drag this out forever."
He turned away from them and mounted his broom, flying off.
The game started a moment later.
Within a few minutes the Snitch appeared again and Krum chased after it with Harry giving chase.
Krum watched for Harry to make a move but didn't.
Instead Krum reached for the Snitch and just before he made his grab for it, waiting for Harry to come up beside him or underneath or from some direction as he had been doing.
The crowd roared and Madam Hooch blew her whistle. Hogwarts student and fans alike along with Hermione and Ron sat stunned as Krum landed on the field with the Snitch in hand. He looked behind him to see Harry hovering a distance away, a smug smile in place.
Hermione could see a close up of Harry's face on the mist in the Great Hall as the Lee Jordan, still in surprise himself, announced that Durmstrang had won the first game. Madam Hooch announced a ten minute break for the teams.
-Harry… what are you up to, - thought Hermione frantically?
She barely noticed that Neville was tapping her shoulder, trying to get her attention. Hermione turned and Neville handed her a small, beautifully wrapped box.
Hermione wasn't sure what to say so she started to respond with, "Thank you but."
Neville cut off, blushing furiously, "It's not from me… I… I had to go back to the dormitory and as I left, I saw this on the table with your name on it."
"Okay," said Hermione as she began to open it.
Neville stood in place looking at the package as she opened it.
Hermione looked at him and said as kindly as she could," Do you I think I could have a little privacy?"
Neville blushed again but shook his head and walked quickly away.
Hermione opened the box and pulled out a small glass sphere. At first it didn't seem to do anything.
She stopped examining it as Lee Jordan announced the start of the second game.
The players took their positions and the Quaffle was released. Everyone expected another long drawn game but was given quite a surprise.
The Chasers reprised the roles of quarreling for the Quaffle and the beaters sent the Bludgers back and forth across the field.
The Snitch appeared much sooner this time and the Seekers went after it. The crowd began to hold their breath in anticipation of another clash between the Seekers.
Instead the most unexpected event occurred, before the Quaffle had made it through a single goal, Madam Hooch blew her whistle and announced the game over.
The crowd, the Great Hall, the players, even Lee Jordan was speechless as Harry stood on the field with the Snitch in hand and Krum hovering hardly a distance from the Seeker starting point.
Students began to give their responses to the shocking event.
That game didn't even last two minutes.
If Harry could move that fast, why didn't he get the snitch the first time?
Do you think it's something personal from the tournament?
No… its Harry… he's making it more interesting for us all.
Yeah now it's a nail bitter to see who'll really win.
These comments and more Hermione heard in the Great Hall as she stared at Harry's dirty battered form smiling away, gripping the glass sphere in her hand.
Harry looked to Krum and Krum stared back with his wide eyes.
"Vell done," sneered Krum, across the field, landing, "But the real prize vill be mine."
Harry didn't respond but he lost his smile and he released the Snitch from his hand for the final game.
Harry made to mount his broom again when a horrid scream sounded and he turned to see a Bludger smash into Krum's back, sending to the ground.
Everyone grasped at the unexpected blow and Pomfrey came across the field to check on Krum.
Hermione watched the Bludger strike as well from the Great Hall. She started feel slightly amused by it until she felt strange suddenly. Hermione began to have trouble focusing and when she brought hands up, she remembered the clear glass sphere in her hand. Only now it was emitting an orange glow. Hermione was about to speak out but everything went dark.
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The next thing Hermione felt was numbing cold running through body. She started to move and felt herself on hard cold stone. She started to open her eyes to find herself in a dark room. It was void of any kind of furniture or anything but dust and plant life. Hermione began to sit up to see there were vines all over the ceiling and on areas of the walls. These were vines that, over the years, had crawled up the side of the castle and eventually broken into this room, spreading out.
Hermione moved her hand and felt something roll away. She looked down to
find the glass sphere, now clear again, roll slowly away.
"Interesting toy is it not," grunted a voice nearby, "Has more than one purpose?"
Hermione turned and in the corner she could she Krum, leering at her with his wide eyed stare.
She stood as quick as she could and took a few steps away, reaching into her robes for her wand.
"Looking vor this,' asked Krum?
In his hand he held up her wand and made to make another smile.
Krum began to walk forward and Hermione backed away. When Krum reached the sphere he picked it up. He tapped it with his own wand and Lee Jordan's voice flowed from it.
Durmstrang's replacement Seeker is after the Snitch with the Hogwarts Seeker right behind him. Who would have thought it would have come to this folks. We were all enjoying that spectacular bout between Potter and Krum but I guess we'll have to wait another day for them have at it again. Such a shame that Bludger took Krum out just went it got down to the nitty gritty of it all.
The final game…
The deciding game…
With the score currently thirty to zero in favor of Hogwarts…
"No ve have a chance to pick up vhere ve left off," sneered Krum, "And ve can still hear the outcome of the game."
Hermione continued to back up until she was stopped by a wall with Krum continuing to advance.
She couldn't move back any further or anywhere because she couldn't find the will to do so. Everything was the same again, he had chased her down, trapped her and she didn't have her wand again… like the past was replaying itself.
Hermione didn't know what do, she couldn't think but she Krum walking towards her.
"Vill I need to use my vand again," chuckled Krum, "Or vill you accept your place?"
Hermione could feel herself begin to panic as a fierce cold draft surged by her from an opening made by the vines.
The sudden distraction caused her mind to flash back over the summer and the term.
Do you think that he vill vant a thing like you… a gangly mud blood.
Harry was starring at her when they came back from Diagon Alley.
I don't need to know him… ve are the same kind of person… popular…respected… vorshiped… you are just simply… useful…
I guess I have been useful enough….
Don't ever say that about your-self…
He vill do nothing… just treat you the same as alvays… you vatch… nothing you do vill get a reaction vrom him… "
Harry blasted those wizards away in Hogsmeade when one pushed her.
Harry put his robe around her when she cold.
His eyes they darken… become less green when he lies… and they brighten when he says something… important.
You're beautiful… I don't think… I know it.
The panic faded and fear drained away…
The cold seemed like nothing now and a strange strength grew within…
Hermione's breathing slowed as did her heart beat…
She felt calm again but tense… angrily tense.
Krum now stood a step from her, his expression filled with the confidence of victory.
"No," stated Hermione quietly.
"Vhat," chuckled Krum, "Did you vhimper something?"
"I said… no," stated Hermione loudly and fiercely stern," My place… has nothing to do with you."
"You may vant to rethink that," growled Krum.
Hermione looked him straight in the eye, her own anger ending the fear he caused in her.
"You were wrong about Harry and you were really wrong about me," spoke Hermione in a dangerous tone," I may not be the most fun to be around… but Harry and Ron still involve me… I may not have been their first choice for a friend in the beginning but not every beginning is smooth."
Every word she spoke caused a strange feeling to grow within her. Like a seed taking root and spreading through her form. She didn't remember being afraid or worried anymore, now she was only disgusted and growing with anger.
"I may not be able to beat you," she growled, "But I will never give my self to scum of rat dung."
Krum became silently furious but his expression gave it away.
"So famous… girls must fling themselves at you," chuckled Hermione angrily," But its not satisfying is it? You need to be in control but itd not the same when your adoring fans just give themselves without resistance… you need it to be fun… you sick… demented… disgusting… disgrace of a wizard."
Hermione felt something move behind her like a snake… or vines.
Before Hermione could continue to feel what was moving behind her or say anything more, shear pain lashed across her face and she fell to the floor.
Hermione's face stung badly as she regained her senses on the floor, tasting a thick fluid in her mouth, mostly likely blood.
It took a moment but she realized that Krum had struck her.
"Ve vill see how smart mouthed you are vhen I am done vith you," growled Krum.
Hermione looked up to see Krum aim his wand. Krum made ready to say his spell and from the color of the glow, Hermione guessed which one it's was.
"You'll never have me," she snapped, fighting the pain in her face.
She trembled slightly, barely noticing as her hair began to frizz.
"Vhy not… is Potter going to rescue you now," mocked Krum, a glow building on the tip of his wand," Be your hero?"
He gave a nasty chuckle and Hermione waited. Krum pointed his wand only to see the impending spell vanish.
The doors to the room burst open and a dark voice with a low hiss in its words said, "Something like that."
Krum turned suddenly.
"Vho is there," yelled Krum, surprised.
"I said you wouldn't get away from me," said that same voice.
Hermione leaned forward, looking past Krum in time to see a pair of flashing eyes appear in the darkness. Only this time the pupils of this person were glowing solid red as the same color lightening flashed around them.
"Potter," spoke Krum?
A blast sounded and Hermione saw in an instant as the room lit up while Krum was flung from his position into the wall a short distance from her.
Harry form appeared as a cloth slid off of him onto the ground. Harry had removed the Hogwarts Quidditch coverlet but remained in the rest of his game clothes.
The room seemed to freeze almost instantly and slight sunlight dimmed even more to make the room even darker.
Hermione glanced through the windows to see outside and see the dark storm clouds, quickly overtaking the skies, a growing rumble of thunder reaching her ears.
"You really think I was going to give you another chance at her," sneered Harry as Krum began to stand, raising his wand again?
As soon as Krum stood another blast sounded and Krum once again was flung from his position only this time towards his side, slamming hard side ways first to a spot on another wall.
"I told you we were different… I believe in my friends and they're more important to me then those mindless bloody idiots out there… that you seem to enjoy," sneered Harry further, his dark voice almost hissing now.
Krum, amazingly still conscious, reach into his robes and pulled out a vial which he promptly through at Harry.
Harry didn't move or do anything to stop the vial as it hit him. In an instant Harry's skin turn a strange color and Hermione recognized it to be a paralytic potion.
Krum began to chuckle and Hermione was still on the floor, overwhelmed for the moment by the events playing out.
"Was that suppose to do something," sneered Harry's voice again?
Hermione, along with Krum as he turned his batter head, watched Harry's skin change back, the effects of the potion reversing.
Krum began to stand again and Harry advanced.
"You really think you can do anything you want without regard because of little bit of fame… you chase a damn ball around… that's nothing compared to me… and I'm going to make you understand that," growled Harry.
Krum raised his wand again but before any could be done, Harry said something in Parseltongue and Hermione watched as Krum's wand changed to the color of gray and fell apart as ash.
Krum stared at his hand as ash remnants of the wand laid in his palm.
"Let me show you why I'm should be feared," spoke Harry quietly, raising his hand, finishing with," Accio."
Krum suddenly slid across the floor on the heels of his shoes, stopping only when Harry hand was on Krum's chest.
Harry said something again in Parseltongue and Krum let of a horrid scream. His skin began to glow red as streaks of red lightening appeared across his body emanating from Harry's hand.
Though it only lasted a moment in reality, to Hermione it seemed much longer as the shock of Harry's actions and the scene in general still kept her mesmerized.
Harry pulled his hand back and another blast sounded again only larger as Krum flew backward. However instead slamming into the wall again, he went through it into the next room.
Krum moved slightly, groaning in great pain as a dark chuckled filled the room.
"What's the matter... isn't this fun for you," yelled Harry, eyes still the same if not flashing more, "Or is it you only play when it's an underage witch?"
-He does know, - gasped Hermione!
Another blast sounded again but rather than hit Krum, it cause more of the wall to violently break apart, revealing more of the next room.
"I guess I'm not clear on the rules," yelled Harry again, advancing, "Lets see… how did you do it again… oh yes… chase your victim down like animal… overpower them… weaken them to nothing… and lets not forget the removal of the wand… what's left?"
Harry stormed through the larger opening in the wall and gripped Krum's robes, hoisting the larger wizard to his feet with ease.
"I think I remember," whispered Harry loudly, "Do what you wish right… well you're not a girl… so I don't think I can do the same thing… but I do have another idea."
With that yet another blast sounded, smaller, less powerful but enough to send Krum against the far wall.
Advancing slowly, Harry's hands were clenched into fist and a green sparking glow filled in them.
Running footsteps could be heard but Harry ignored them until a hand touched his shoulder and Harry turned see Hermione behind him.
"Don't this," spoke Hermione, her voice soft.
Harry whirled around, facing her, responding angrily, "Why the hell not… this bastard attacked you!"
Hermione tried to stay calm but now Harry was scarring her.
"I didn't want Ron to tell you anything," began Hermione before Harry cut her off.
"Ron didn't tell me a damn thing," yelled Harry," I saw it all!"
"What," replied Hermione stunned?
"I saw it all," growled Harry, not yelling," I heard it all… I could even smell his breath… I could feel his weight on you… I felt him… touching you."
Hermione gasped as nightmare replayed quickly in her mind, realizing now that for some time Harry had known and apparently planned on this fight.
"And he did it… he did it… because… because," stuttered Harry, his tone darkening again, turning slowly back to Krum, "Because you're my friend... because I feel."
Hermione just stared at Harry's twitching form but he didn't finish what the sentence just turned around again.
"Now I'm going to make him realize what I think of that," said Harry.
"No," stated Hermione sternly.
Harry looked back to her to see a stern face and stature on the girl who stirred his feelings in more ways then he understood.
"You are going to stop and leave this to Dumbledore," stated Hermione, her tone still stern.
"He deserves," snarled Harry but he was cut off.
"What he deserves is not for you to decide or do anything about," continued Hermione, "You've stopped him now and that's enough… now the Professors will handled it."
Harry's anger was diminishing slowly but not enough for Hermione. His eyes still glowed and flashed red.
"Why would you want," asked Harry stopping, unable to finish the question because of his confusion?
Hermione stepped forward suddenly and placed her hands on Harry's face.
"I don't want you to become like him," she shouted, "He's not worth his weight in dragon dung… but you're greater than any spell or treasure of gold… you'll lose that if you go any further!"
Harry's breathing slowed rapidly and red in his eyes began to dim, showing green again.
"You said you felt everything that was happening," she snapped, "But you only felt what was happening on the outside… not what I felt within me."
Harry's hands unclenched and sparking green glow was gone.
"No matter what happened, I was able to finally realize how I feel… how I feel about you," said Hermione, her tone starting to soften," Thank you for stopping him… but please stop yourself now."
The thunder heard out side faded and sunlight began to slowly filter into the room.
"I should have just told you," continued Hermione, pleading, "Then so much could have been avoided… and we… we could've… we can still have something wonderful… but you have to stop."
The cold in the room faded as well and she could see Harry calm again.
"I still don't know how to say or do anything… so," finished Hermione as she pulled Harry to her, matching the direction of his lips to her own.
There came the sound of click and a slow scraping noise which Harry's mind snapped to. A sound he had heard before… with the Dursleys… when Aunt Petunia was in the kitchen.
Harry's eyes went wide, he knew what that was and with little time to do much, Harry shoved Hermione backward suddenly before he action could be completed, turning himself to face Krum who had risen to his feet.
Krum lunged forth and connected with Harry.
Hitting the stone floor hard and confused, Hermione looked back.
The scene explained much and horrified her as well, seeing as the two boys stood close. Harry stumbled back, falling to the floor with one hand on his midsection. In the dim light, Hermione could see blood dripping from a thin silver object still in Krum's hand.
A silver knife in hand… that dripped with blood.
Harry's face contorted with intense pain and Krum seemed sickeningly pleased.
Hermione scrambled to Harry's side and placed her hand on his wound.
The blade had struck deep into Harry's stomach area, no doubt to her that this was a wound that was severe in its strike and causing great pain.
"Now… vor you," stated Krum hoarsely?
"You," whispered Hermione angrily.
In that moment as she looked at the pain in Harry's face, seeing the blood pool around her hand remembering how once he had saved her at his expense, not just once as prior feeling return intensifying quickly.
Anxiety, fear, worry, confusion and much more she felt fade as something surged in her.
"I stopped Harry from killing you and then you do this," she growled as gripped the wound tighter, feeling something in her hand.
Her anger growing, she didn't notice as the bleeding stopped and Harry's face showed less pain, but she stood up and turned to Krum… facing him.
Krum just chuckled until he looked at Hermione's eyes… as they began to glow bright as well.
"I have had it with you," she snapped.
Though injured and weakened he made another sluggish lunged attempt towards her this time.
She dodged him easily and now they're positions had switched. Hermione stood in front of the wall and Krum's back was to the opening.
"You haff no escape vrom me," he said in madden tone.
Hermione just glared at him and Krum made another attack. As he moved forward, he found himself held back as objects wrapped around his arms and legs with the sound of whips cracking through the air. Krum looked down and to either side to see vines had ensnared themselves around his ankles and wrists.
"More like you won't escape me," retorted Hermione her tone dangerous.
Krum found himself being dragged backwards. He looked behind him to see that vines that had gripped him originated from within the other room from the wall they had grown upon. In a short time, the vines dragged their prey all the way that to their wall. Given his drastically weakened and injured state, he could offer no resistance to the warden plants.
"Now vhat," he demanded?
Hermione just gave him a smirk and in a quick move, delivered to Krum the loudest, hardest strike from her hand she could muster. It was enough to knock him unconscious and force his mouth and nose to bleed.
"That… you lecherous slime," she finished.
Her task finished, Hermione ran back to Harry, who surprisingly was beginning to sit up while still dazed.
She didn't wait but pushed him back down and pulled his shirt away. Rather than find a dangerous, penetrating wound she found nothing but dried blood. His knife wound had been healed but how she didn't know.
Hermione heard footsteps and a familiar voice ring out.
"What the hell happened in here… looks like brawl or something," said a voice Hermione recognize Daken.
At that moment Hermione took a look around to see as areas of the walls were damaged as Harry had smashed Krum into them. Then there was the dividing wall which had all but been destroyed.
Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape and Daken come into view a moment later.
With a look from Dumbledore, Snape and Daken went to release Krum from his imprisonment in the vines.
McGonagall took over checking Harry and Dumbledore stood by saying nothing.
"Bloody hell," shouted another familiar voice, "I knew I needed to get here."
A second later Ron appeared and Hermione was grateful to have everyone there.
Harry was becoming more alert and began to look around frantically.
"I took care of him," Hermione said quietly to him, motioning to where Krum was.
Harry looked at him but rather then be glad it was all over he jumped up and looked around even more so.
A second later he rushed out of room, passing everyone even Ron. Harry ran out of the room, grabbing the cloak on the floor before heading out.
Ron looked back in confusion as Hermione stood surprised herself.
"Harry wait," yelled Hermione, shaking her-self awake.
Hermione rushed past everyone, through the doors and into the connecting hall but Harry was not to be seen. The hall split in three directions and Hermione had no clue in what way to go but as she considered an option, McGonagall appeared behind her.
"Ms. Granger," gently spoke McGonagall, "Please return to our common room."
Hermione turned to, preparing to resist but Ron showed up as well.
"I'll find him," said Ron before taking off.
"Okay," replied Hermione, though wanting to say more.
Instead she left as well, making her way back to Gryffindor house while the past events settle in her mind.
"Surprising, she didn't let Potter kill him," said a low voice behind McGonagall, "I would have thought she might want that…. Harry seemed to?"
McGonagall turned her head enough to see Daken emerge along with Dumbledore.
"Not at all," answered Dumbledore, "It's just not her way… the Way of Earth."
Next Chapter
The Untold Story