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 and planning too in the future in any way. The only exception of profit is to my self for literary improvement.
Author to Reader Note:
Revised 8/14/05
Harry Potter and the Turmoil Within
Chapter 30
Man or Monster
Part 2
The next morning, the Grangers spent breakfast together. Her mother had gone all out in making things they each like. Her father had even made his special coffee with a mixture of pepper mint and chocolate. It was a ritual they usually enjoyed on special days like this.
After having a wonderful breakfast, one her mother had definitely outdone her her-self on, Hermione's parents wanted to open a few gifts with their daughter rather than having them all sent by owl. With the discussion her parents had the previous night still fresh in mind, Hermione made no complaint or hint of urgency. Besides, sending everything by owl was difficult and most likely a strain for the winged wonders.
"I think you'll really like this one. I was guaranteed it'd be a real help for you," said Hermione's father handing her a wrapped box.
The label on the box showed it was a shop from Diagon Alley, one of many which provided supplies for students attending Hogwarts. As Hermione undid the bow and removed the wrapping, she wondered what her father could have found that would be of assured usefulness. Hermione went over in her mind what she already had and what could possibly have been an improvement upon without infringing upon Hogwarts rules.
Opening the box, Hermione pulled out and held up an ordinary school bag that was standard to Hogwarts. She had one that was in excellent shape with little wear, so she was wasn't sure what to say but her father had guessed the confusion.
"Yes it's a school bag and I may not be able to use magic," he explained, "But I can still recognize a good investment, magic or not… it has a charm sewn in… I can't remember how to pronounce it... but here, I'll show you."
Hermione handed the bag back to him, curious as to what this so called charm was, hoping he was right and not fooled by some shifty clerk for a sale.
Lionel stood and walked over to a piece of artwork. A thing of metal portraying a dentist with a patient set in the year of the early fifties. A gift from another dentist on one her parents anniversaries.
Lionel walked up to it and heaved it up. Made of metal, it was rather weighty to hold and carry. He slid into the school bag, closed the top and walked back to her. Hermione stood up as he handed it to her. Hermione took hold of the strap and braced for the weight but when the strap slid into her hand, there was almost no notice of the artwork's weight. Hermione looked at her father as he smiled.
"The charm to make thing's lighter… with all the books you carry, this ought to make things easier for you."
All Hermione could do was hug him. Carrying a lot of books did tend to do a bit of a number on her back by the end of the day. Lionel opened the bag and took out the state, hefting it back to its place.
"Actually the shop keeper guaranteed it... but it was someone else who suggested it."
Hermione sat back down on the floor to gather up the wrappings around her. Lionel came back to sit with his wife.
"A woman was there with her two girls… now that I think about it one of them looked a lot like you when I looked at her… anyways she asked if she could help."
Lionel shrugged his shoulders in confusion.
"Don't know why but I suddenly started telling her about you… after a minute or two she turn around and handed me that bag… that's when the shop clerk told me about it… even demonstrated it."
Her father looked quite pleased with him-self then, "I think it was quite a good idea… surprising she guessed it so easily."
"I remember her two girls mainly," chimed in Jean," They didn't say anything but smile the whole time… but you're right the one had hair almost identical to you."
Her mother face drew a confused look and added in question, "But I swear when I first saw them, they both had dark hair?"
Lionel just shrugged his shoulders again.
"And their names when she called them to leave? " continued Jean, "Lu and Nu... I think it was?"
"Yes… I think so," replied Lionel, looking as he was thinking back to the moment, "Her name was Ben… Bill… no Binkins, that's it."
Lionel chuckled a moment and looked at his wife, adding, "I remember she gave you a glance and suggested I stopped by her shop when if I needed something for you."
"And did you?" inquired Jean with a raised brow.
Lionel replied with a smirk, stood up and began walking away.
"Suppose we should be getting around, you've got somewhere to be."
Jean got up quickly and followed him, still questioning but he just kept a step ahead.
In a short time later, standing at the foot of her bed, Hermione straighten her blouse and flattened her skirt in hurried fashion while looking over her case.
Lets see… a few tops, brush, another skirt, pants, hair band, uniform, tooth brush, socks, slippers, - thought Hermione counting off a list in her head.
Hermione put her hands on her hips and stared down into the case still thinking to her-self what else might be needed. In a huff of frustration, Hermione reached out and closed the lid on her case.
If I need anything else, - decided Hermione, - I'll just send for it. -
She took hold of the handle and slid the case of the bed onto the floor.
Hermione was about to reach for her coat, lying next to the case but a yowling drew her attention. Hermione looked down beside the bed to see Crookshanks next to his carrier, waiting for Hermione to open it for him.
Hermione smiled and instead, leaned forward, climbing onto her bed to lie on her side. Crookshanks hopped and trotted up her. He rubbed affectionately against her chest and chin, purring.
"You stay here for now," replied Hermione, taking a moment to stroke his back and scratch behind his ears, "I'll come back for you before going to Hogwarts."
With that she nuzzled his face, receiving a lick on the tip of her nose in return. She backed up off the bed and stood. Crookshanks remained, sitting with tail twitching as he watched Hermione straighten her-self up again. Hermione slid on her coat and with a fluff of her hair the preparations were complete except for one last step. Hermione turned to her desk as there was one last thing to retrieve before leaving.
There setting in the middle of her desk was a parchment wrapped package, waiting to be returned to its rightful place. She walked to it and gently took it in hand. Holding the wrapped and now repaired glasses, Hermione thought to her-self how they had come to be possession.
Harry had emerged from the horribly damaged building after sending out the Patronuses. They had already been damaged but only slightly until he took them and crushed them in his own hands. Then there was that look on his face.
A look of hatred and of anger and maybe even… a desire.
Hermione wondered if everything interpreted was what she saw or could part of it have been skewed due to the dementors. Maybe she had seen clearly because of them, taking away the joy and leaving only the hard cold.
Hermione gripped the package tighter fir a moment and then directed it into an inside pocket of her coat.
I won't decide that now, - thought Hermione turning back and headed for the door, picking up her case in process, - I'll wait until I see him again. -
Hermione walked out into the hall, leaving the door partly open. However, Hermione never notice that Crookshanks had not remained where he had been.
Her parents awaited downstairs and with the help of a port key, left by Professor McGonagall the previous night, they proceeded to a destination elsewhere. When the moment of nothingness and pulling sensation had passed, they found them-selves in the world again, only elsewhere from the living room a moment before.
Hermione looked around, senses readjusting, taking in the scene she had only seen barely a day before. They were standing on a dirt road, recently cleared of snow. All the trees and small fields amongst them were covered in layer of thick fresh fallen snow. Hermione looked down the road towards the village, evidence of the recent snow there as well.
There were puffs of smoke from stacks upon roofs. In the air, bits of brightly colored lights flickered momentarily, sounds of loud voices carried from down the way to their ears, too muffled and faded to understand but Hermione was willing to guess it was the work of repair after the nightmare the day before.
It would be good to see how things were coming along but it would have to wait. With parents in tow, Hermione turned away to walk up the road to an oddly shaped home that would mystify any muggle studied in the sciences of physics and architectures. However no matter misshapen it may be, the place was still a welcoming sight to see the Burrow in the approaching distance.
After a few minutes, they arrived at the gate to the home's ground and Hermione was reaching for the latch but stopped suddenly. She felt something under feet, the vibrations of something moving, most likely very large. Some snow fell from the rooftop and more from the trees nearby. The latch of gate even rattled lightly. Hermione strained her ears to listen pass the crunch of falling snow for a clue of what was near. Faintly she heard the multiple breaths, short and heavy along with slight growl.
"Hermione," whispered Jean by Hermione's ear, "What is that?"
Her mother had heard it as well and by the look of her father he had as well.
"I think," replied Hermione, quietly, reaching for her wand, "We're being watched."
Hermione felt the hilt and slowly slid her fingers onto it, gripping it. Moving her eyes, scouring the trees, and seeing some branches rustle from movement on the other side.
There was a loud clearing of a throat and it was intentional. Hermione spun around, dropping her bag and pushing her mother aside. Hermione drew her wand at a black cloaked, hooded figure standing behind them on the other side of the road.
The cloak of the person was drawn up around the face leaving only the eyes and small bit of face to be seen. Hermione could just make out a pair of brown eyes, but if this was who she suspected, given the familiar feeling from her insides then those brown eyes were merely the facade of a predator in waiting.
Facing them, the cloak of the figure parted to the sides as gloved hands slid out slowly. The hands gripped the hood on either side and pulled down, revealing someone with familiar blond hair. Still just as slowly, one hand came back around to the face and slid down a zipper, letting a high collar fall away.
Daken Valenor, current Professor of the Defense Against the Dark Arts class stood there. Or rather at least what could be recognized of him was standing there. Hermione could hear her mother gasp slightly and Hermione now saw why Daken stood in the shadows in Dumbledore's office the night before. She hadn't seen his whole face in the hospital wing but much of the right side of Daken's face and down that side of his neck was covered in blacked thick scabbed skin from severe burns. His right ear was mostly gone as well and side scalp was bare.
Daken glanced at Jean's quiet distressed face and grinned at Lionel's raised brow as he stated, "Don't worry, it was much worse yesterday, it'll clear up by tonight."
Daken turned his attention to Hermione, adding, "And you are being watched."
Hermione lowered her wand but kept it ready.
"With all that's happened," continued Daken, unmoved, "Do you really think Dumbledore would let the Molly bring Harry back here without some… added protection?"
Hermione was about to ask but found Daken raising his hand to point upward above him. Following the direction, Hermione's gaze locked on to area midway up a large, snow covered pine tree. In between the branches, a soft but definite orange glow emanated.
"Don't be fooled. His song may invoke the idea of a gentle nature," spoke Daken, drawing Hermione's look back to him, "But in an open area like this… he can rip and burn most anything to shreds."
There was a rustling and Hermione turned her head to see more branches move and snow fall to the ground.
"I don't think you should ask about that," stated Daken, now pulling his hood back up, "He appears to be okay with you."
With his hood up, Daken readjusted his gloves and zipped the collar back around his face and neck.
"I was coming back to check in at the house but since you're here, I'll leave it to you."
Daken chuckled slightly, turned swiftly, letting the cloak swish around and promptly hurried away down the path towards the village, leaving them behind.
"By the way… be careful," calling back to them, pulling the hood up, a humor in his words, not stopping as he spoke," I think Ginny's a little… unnerved… right now."
Hermione slid wand back in place and snatched up her case as she undid the latch of the gate. Passing through and up the walkway, Hermione preceded with her parents a step behind. Outside the door, she pulled on a chain that rang a bell within and waited. After a few moments there hadn't been an answer.
She rang the bell again.
- Ginny should be here, - thought Hermione, concern beginning.
That's when Hermione heard something and moved her ear closer to the door. She wasn't sure but it had sounded like something clanging shut. Next there came dim hoots of an owl. Scrapping noises followed and thuds from objects falling, even the crashing of something fragile as well. Then there was only silence. In the corner of her eye, Hermione notice the movement of a curtain n the window.
"Hermione," spoke Jean's whispering in her ear but she never finished.
Hermione dropped her case and reached for her wand again taking hold of the door handle.
The tips of her fingers had just brushed the metal of the handle, when the door flew open and Hermione found her-self blinded by flaming red hair and a grip so tight that iron clasps would have been more merciful.
"Oh thank you," sobbed a voice loudly in her ear, "I can't believe you came."
Recognizing the voice and knowing only one person with it identified who had ensnared her. Hermione tried to draw in a full breath but Ginny's near death grip hindered that. Hermione tried to talk to Ginny but wasn't getting enough air to do mush more than mumble. Ginny was continuing to repeat her thanks over and over which drowned Hermione's mumbles out.
Instead Hermione wiggled her-self enough so as to get a hold of Ginny's arms. Heaving with all the remaining might her air starving body could muster, pried her captor's grip apart. The vice like hold broke and Hermione pushed Ginny back a little, gasping.
"On I'm sorry," whimpered Ginny as Hermione drew in a large breath.
- She has smaller than me, - thought Hermione in wonder, giving Ginny's worried look an encouraging smile, -But she has a grip that could teach Devil's Snare a thing or two. -
Ginny started to back off and let Hermione's parents come in around her. Hermione took that moment to give a look over in the room.
To say it was in disarray would be an understatement. Much of the furniture was scattered. A sofa and a chair were in place and looked recently cleaned. Much of the knickknacks and other assorted things that had hung on the walls or rested on shelves were knocked down and many broken. The masonry of the fireplace had been damaged enough that stone had fallen in blocking the opening, most likely intentional, which also prevent the use of the floo network. Marks littered the walls were spells had hit, definite signs of a fight.
Hermione couldn't help but be impressed at first for it seems that Ginny had put up quite a fight before capture. Though she didn't doubt that Ginny had any ability to defend her-self, another thought came to as well. Could Ginny have been able to put up a fight like this by her-self against experienced wizards? Charlie hadn't known where she was at the Dungeons tavern and Daken must have left when the trouble started. Hermione shook her head, having finished her breath and decided Ginny was more important right now.
Seeing as she had recovered, Ginny began explaining her-self.
"I sorry… but I almost couldn't take it anymore… Charlie's been outside for so long and Bill's with Dad… and Mum had to take the twins into the village," answered Ginny, sniffling a bit, her voice beginning to break more and more, "Ron won't come out of
Harry's room… and Mum said no one else was to go in there… and then… I've been trying."
Her voice changed into a mumbling whine, covering her face with her hands. Hermione took hold and pulled Ginny to her. Ginny began to sob into Hermione's shoulder. She could only make out a few words but didn't interrupt her.
Ginny had been very energetic and even a little comical yesterday.
- I guess it just took a while for Ginny to react to it all, - thought Hermione as the girl cried on, stroking her head, - Just like it did me. -
Jean had found the broom closet and began sweeping up the broken things into a pile while Lionel began to put the furniture back as best as he could remember.
After a few minutes, Ginny seemed to calm down and backed up on her own. Hermione pulled up her sleeve and wiped Ginny's face. Though still flushed and tired, Ginny did look better now.
"So," asked Hermione kindly, "How about we start from the beginning? Where's Charlie?"
Ginny took a deep, relaxing more and answered, pausing as she took more calming breaths in between.
"Charlie's outside… he's been out there some time… since coming back from St. Mingo's last night, he wouldn't talk to anyone when he came back from St. Mungo's… he just sat in the kitchen staring out blankly… he wouldn't even answer to mom… just grumbled nastily when she pressed."
Hermione remembered back in the tavern, Charlie had been quite aggressive to say the least and he never seemed like that before. Granted she didn't see him very much but when it much like the way Ron acted with Harry's uncle.
"And you said Bill was with Mr. Weasley."
It seemed partly force but Ginny giggled a bit.
"Bill went to the Ministry to help dad… the reporters are swarming him… and since most are witches… dad agreed."
Hermione could only smirk at hearing about Bill, he did seem to be quite the charmer, from what Ginny had told her before Bill seemed to have girlfriends very frequently, probably more so than Mrs. Weasley would care for.
"You said your mum is with Fred and George?"
"They got into a few scuffles them-selves as well... didn't get a scratch surprisingly… and the Ministry, trying to make sense of everything, wants statements from everyone… Ron and I already did it when we got home… then mum took them earlier this morning… had to practically drag them they were so tired."
Hermione had to admit being impressed at hearing that. Fred and George almost seemed like they only did jokes and pranks. She never expected to hear them get into a fight. She did remember seeing them bring people into the tavern. She thought again about Charlie and his actions, also Ron's attitude of late. Before that there was the time Mr. Weasley scuffled with Mr. Malfoy at the book shop.
- Maybe when pushed, - thought Hermione, -The Weasleys' don't stay the nice and kindly family I know them to be. -
It suddenly made her think of a den of wolves sleeping peacefully until intruded upon.
Ginny wiped at her face and Hermione worried she might start to break down again, so pressed on.
"So Ron's in Harry's room now?"
"Yes, he's been in there all night… hasn't left once."
"What was that I heard earlier? Sounded like something clanging together."
At the question, Ginny blushed and giggled again before answering.
"Everyone was gone and with Charlie having gone off… I guess I started to panic a bit or something… so I sent Pig off with a letter asking if you could come."
Hermione raised a brow, not seeing what this had to do with the sound but said nothing.
"After I sent him off, he came back suddenly. I thought maybe I just had a lapse but when I looked at the letter, it was the same. I sent him again and the stupid bird came right back."
Ginny giggled, followed by a quick breath, clearly still straining to stay calm.
"I snatched him up and opened the oven… I was telling him off and threaten to throw him in there when the bell rang… I stood there and the handle slipped making the oven slam shut… then Pig starting hooting… then I rushed to the window and there you were."
"I see," replied Hermione chuckling a bit, trying to imagine the mayhem.
Ginny must have knocked a few more things down in her rush to the door.
Pig was always an odd Owl and at a time like that, it would seem disturbing.
Hermione looked around and realized there was someone else not in the picture either.
"Is Rela still asleep?" inquired Hermione.
Ginny looked at her both surprised and inquisitive.
"Yes, she fell asleep in the carriage," replied Ginny, staring at her suddenly, "Mum and I changed her when we got back. But she still hasn't even stirred. Why is that?"
Hermione pushed away some hair that had fallen across Ginny's face.
"I guess the professor for Hagrid's class hasn't taught the fourth years about that yet."
Ginny looked back at her a little confused.
"Rela's half Whasperor which means she's also half magical creature."
Ginny expression showed she was following but not clearly.
"Hagrid taught us that when a magic creature is badly hurt or has been through a lot with their magic… most rest in a form of hibernation for a while… and Rela did take a Crucio to the chest… and all that running around."
Realization finally dawned on Ginny and final relief came with one last deep breath.
"Thank you," stated Ginny, her voice normal again, "I don't know what I've done if I spent another minute like this."
"Why don't you stay here then and rest up a bit," replied Hermione reassuringly, "While I go have a look in at Harry."
Hermione turned and hurried to the stairs. She had barely gone up the first flight before Ginny's called to her.
"Wait," shouted Ginny, "Mum said no one was to go up there."
Hermione stopped and looked back down to see Ginny at the base of the stairs.
"Well," replied Hermione with a smirk, "I wasn't here when she said it… now you sit down and rest up."
Leaving Ginny at the base, Hermione continued up the stairs, passing the doors of the different bedrooms.
She paused a moment outside Ginny's, remembering Rela and took a peek in. Ginny's room was as it usually was. Slightly in disarray, some clothes here and there, actually rather neat compared to what she had seen of the boys' rooms. However, by Ginny's bed on a cot, bundled up tightly, showing only her face and silk blond hair, laid Rela. And just has she thought Rela appeared to be in a sleep so deep that only statues could rival her stillness.
Hermione pulled her head back out, shutting the door and heading up to the next door, the only hurdle in path to her goal.
There was nothing too special about it. Just wood, fashioned like any plain door. The laminate finished flaking and splintering from age and mostly like from rough housing given the number of boys in the house. The knob was simple brass with no shine, only a dark brown metal.
As simple as it all was, Hermione found her-self hesitating before it. Her hand had paused part way in reaching for the handle and all she could think was when she last time she did this, it hadn't been a welcoming situation.
Hermione questioned the hesitation but her attention was drawn away by a whistling outside a window at the top of the stairs. Glancing at it, Hermione felt a cold draft breeze by her from behind and oddly enough it seemed to freeze silent whatever concern or warning that had caused the unexpected trepidation.
Hermione seized the handle, without question now and found it surprising that it wasn't freezing cold as the last time this situation occurred. She wondered now why she had even expected it. That alone furthered her drive as she turned the rickety handle, the inner mechanism clanking in the twist. She let the door open slowly, its hinges squeaking in the sway.
Hermione stepped into the room as quietly as she could aside from the creaking floor boards under her feet. Rather than finding the room foreboding to enter, instead it is more inviting than expected.
Still in the doorway, Hermione surveyed the room. It was dim, alit by a soft orange like glow emanating from a small wood burner in the room which also was keeping it very warm. It the same type used at Hogwarts in the classrooms or dorms during the coldest times of winter. No doubt borrowed from Hogwarts by a small green friend.
Taking a step in, Hermione found a dresser on one side, books and other minor objects setting on top of it. An open closet on the far side showed some trousers and shirts hanging freely. Harry's broom also stood within it as well. Ron was setting on the floor, his wand still in hand and head down, snoring slightly. A small night stand with a pitcher and untouched glass of water setting on it, stood next to a bed.
There, buried under unknown number of blankets and maybe even hot water bottles, laid a person revealed only by their face upon a pillow. Leaving the door to sway on its own Hermione moved towards the side of the bed.
She stood there and watched him silently. Harry's face was still ghostly pale and his normally black untidy hair was still quite dull and flat. The only presence of real color resided with his scar, which was deep red and in a swollen state. Regardless of his state, it was nice to see his face cleansed of the blood and grim of the day prior. Hermione was comforted by the rising covers upon him as breath entered and left his body however weakly.
Having had a look, she decided it was time to head back out and help with the house. She stopped at the foot of the bed where Harry's trunk sat, more blankets setting on top. With a quick look back to Ron, Hermione grabbed one and walked over to him. She carefully draped it over him, trying to not wake him.
As she straightened up, a thought came to her. Daken had bad burns still on his face and maybe elsewhere but Ron didn't show any sign of injury yet.
Hermione decided it better to help her parents and Ginny with the house rather than dwell on it. She'd ask Ron later about what happened, if she really wanted to know. With that, Hermione turned, leaving as quietly as she could and shutting the door behind her.
Most of the early day passed on slightly quick. Hermione and Ginny repaired most the simple items. Jean did a bit of cleaning and putting items back with Ginny's help. The chimney had to be left as it was given no one had nay experience in masonry repair even with magic.
Mrs. Weasley came home with Fred and George dragging in. Mrs. Weasley was delighted to see Hermione's parents and even embarrassed to find out they had been helping to restore things to a more normal state.
Fred and George gave a quick hello and stumbled up the stairs to their own room, struggling to keep their eyes open.
Mrs. Weasley insisted on lunch and became deaf to any decline from Hermione's parents at the invitation.
After which the cleaning continued and mostly finished when late afternoon had come. Hermione was just glancing over the living room again checking to see if everything was right again aside from the fireplace, when the door open and closed to Bill's entrance. At that, Mrs. Weasley popped in from the kitchen.
"Dad says he'll be home soon," spoke Bill, guessing what his mother was going to say, walking by Hermione, "Hello there… he's just going to finish a few papers. Is there any coffee?"
Bill walked by, following his mother into the kitchen. Hermione followed as well but stopped after a few steps. Her foot had stepped on something and there was a sticking sound. Hermione looked down and remembered there had been a large rug on the floor but now it was bare floor boards. There was a large stain in the wood, showing signs of recent attempts to be cleaned. Despite the attempts, it was still sticky and there was a slight foul smell to it.
Hermione decided to wait on that too, seeing as Bill had just come back from the ministry and she wanted to know what he would say.
"Just made a fresh pot," said Mrs. Weasley, Picking up a large mug and filling it for Bill.
He made a quick greeting to Lionel and Jean, taking the mug from his mother.
"Where's Charlie?" inquired Bill reaching for a chair.
"He's still outside… been out there all day," replied Ginny in a slight irritated tone, "Hardly said a word before that."
Bill got a look on his face with a small smirk. Rather than sit, he instead went back to the coffee and filled another mug.
"I know where he is," answered Bill to his mother's look, "I'll bring him back."
And with that he backed out the backdoor.
"I think we'll have potato soup for dinner," said Mrs. Weasley after that," Simple and filling… I think the sack's in the shed."
Mrs. Weasley looked ready to go for them but Ginny spoke up instead.
"Let us," piped up Ginny now a yearning in her voice, "Come on Hermione."
Ginny didn't yet for an answer but instead snatched Hermione's arm and dragged her out.
The door slammed shut behind them as they made their way to the shed.
"Finally," stated Ginny, "I've been wanting out of the house all day."
Hermione couldn't argue at the fresh air, cold or not, as they headed towards the shed. Though as they walked Hermione looked around, no sign of branches moving other than a gentle swaying from winter breezes. She didn't feel anything watching them and felt no vibrations of something big moving around.
Once inside the shed Hermione waited as Ginny scrounged about through some baskets and bags, muttering to her-self at the disorganization. Hermione stood by a swing bench when she thought she heard Bill's voice. Sure that it was, she moved over to the far wall and found a large crack in the wood. Ginny came over as well, curious to what Hermione was doing. Lowering her head below Hermione, Ginny looked out the crack as well.
Looking through, the two girls saw Charlie standing up against a tree with a small fire burning by his feet. He was staring intently at it, ignoring everything else including the approaching Bill, his face an expression of concern and harshness.
"Charlie?"
They watched Bill trudge through the snow up to Charlie, carrying two mugs of coffee.
"Charlie?" came Bill's voice loudly again.
Finally Charlie glanced at him but with a look of annoyance than expected greeting. Instead of responding, he just looked back at the fire. Bill looked at him a moment with the same smirk as from the kitchen and leaned up against the tree as well next to Charlie. He held out the spare mug but Charlie just shook his head which made Bill raise a brow.
They stood there, saying nothing to each other for a moment.
"So," sighed Bill, looking sideways at Charlie and asking, "Who is she?"
Ginny made a tiny gasp and Hermione couldn't deny her own sudden interest in such an abrupt question.
"What," replied Charlie curtly?
"Who is she?"
"Who is who?"
Bill gave his brother a knowing and serious look.
"I know you well enough to know that you only brood like this for one of two reasons, " stated Bill plainly, "Either something with one of your dragons… or a witch's got you knotted up."
Charlie made a face. Bill took another sip of his coffee and let another moment silence pass between them.
"Given that you went to St. Mungo's after getting that owl and took off without a word. And since they don't treat dragons there, means it's a witch… a woman… so, like I asked, who is she?"
"Just leave it," replied Charlie plainly.
"Alright but you know if you keep acting like this, mum will start pestering you. Sure you don't want to tell me."
Bill offered the coffee again and surprisingly, Charlie swung out his arm knocked it away. The coffee spilled out as the mug fell to the snow.
"I said leave it!"
"Charlie," replied Bill calmly.
"No Bill," snapped Charlie," I don't want any damn coffee and I don't want to chat!"
Charlie stepped away, over the small fire closer to the shed.
"Have I met her?" replied Bill, a surprised look on his face, watching Charlie.
"I'm not going to play this game," replied Charlie, now threateningly.
"Look Charlie, I'm just trying to."
"I know what you're trying to do! And I said no!"
"Charlie"
At that Charlie whirled around and rounded on him.
"You wouldn't understand! You say you know me well I know you too! Women are like jewels too you! You find a nice one and then you get bored and traded it in for something with a new cut!"
Bill stayed calm but his expression showed his dislike at the insulting remarks. His words had an edge of warning to them which was a surprising at first to Hermione but made her think again of her den of wolves thought before.
"Every witch I have been with knew very well I was not intending on anything long term. And if you want to talk track records, you aren't exactly scoring points as the most traditional, given that you and I have had nearly the same number of girlfriends."
Charlie didn't respond back right away and Bill's voice changed back.
"And this isn't about me, this about you. I'm not trying to make fun. I'm concerned with seeing you act this way. You've brooded before but you've never lashed out at me or ignored people. You've left Ginny almost entirely by her-self and that is not like you."
Bill paused and finished his coffee. Licking his lips and shaking his head a bit.
"So how important is this woman to you?"
Charlie didn't answer still but turn back to face the wall of the shed.
Bill chuckled disapprovingly at the silence.
"Come on Charlie talk to me, "snapped Bill, "I mean it's not like you were going to marry her or something."
At that moment, Charlie face darkened as he looked at the shed. Hermione was almost sure he had seen them and wondered how she would explain. Instead Charlie reached into his pocket and tossed something over his shoulder. Bill caught it with his free hand without effort. Holding his hand open, Hermione and Ginny could see a small black box setting in it.
Bill just stared at Charlie from behind, a completely stunned look on his face. Ginny gasped quietly and Hermione found her-self doing the same.
"You were… tomorrow… no you weren't," babbled Bill, trying to take in what he had just learned, "You… I… I didn't."
Now Charlie turned his head to him. The information seemed to finally sink into Bill.
"No wonder you wanted me here early," said Bill coherently," But the last witch I knew of was Cyndi, the one almost a stubborn as you are."
"Still is," replied Charlie quietly.
"Her?" questioned Bill, "Well yeah I'd agree that be a smart match but I guess… well I guess I expected it would be me before you… given how stubborn you are as well."
"Guess I beat you to it," replied Charlie, turning and stepping over the fire back to his brother's side.
Bill looked at the box some more in his hand and opened the lid. He seemed surprised by the contents. Charlie rested up against the tree again and oddly looked a great deal better.
"She was at Dorrigan's inn."
Bill's eyes went wide as he closed the lid of the jewel box.
"There were three of them… story is they told everyone to stay their place… but like you said Cyndi's stubborn… she doesn't fear dragons so they didn't scare her."
Bill handed the box over to Charlie, never saying a word.
"They… they hit her hard... but she wasn't going to go down."
Charlie's voice broke a bit but cleared his throat.
"One of them was about to finish her off but someone else got in their way.
Bill's eyes turned and glared in curious focus.
"From what Dorrigan said, Harry walked in and flattened them out… maybe it was his eyes or something but Cyndi tried to use a spell on him."
Now Bill's curiosity went to concern and bracing for the worst to hear.
"He petrified her."
Bill just stared at him and Hermione found it hard to take in that Harry had done something so harsh.
"According to the doctor… the petrification… it uh…it saved her life."
Bill went wide eyed at that statement.
"The wounds were bleeding; she wouldn't have had much time."
Bill's surprised faded and a thought crossed his face.
"And petrification," interjected Bill suddenly, "Halts any further movement of the body including blood flow… that's pretty smart… use one curse to stop the effects of another."
"I thought Potter was too dangerous to have here. I was wrong," stated Charlie, rubbing his arm suddenly, "He seemed too aggressive to me."
"He may be," replied Bill, "They may have attacked here because of him."
"No," stated Charlie, shaking his head, "You know it all happened too fast with Dementors and an anti apparating charm like that. You can't put up a charm like that in big area without setting off alarms. That could only have been done through the Ministry and they take forever with approvals. No they did it too quick to be that well prepared."
"You're thinking they were going to go for Hogwarts or here, you mean?" question Bill and added, speaking more to him-self than Charlie, "That would explain why they canceled the search at Hogwarts so suddenly… and the mayor's daughter… they preparing for either possibility."
"I know it sounds wrong but I rather glad it was here," and he answered Bill's expression before it formed, "Because I got to get my hands on them."
"What about Cyndi," inquired Bill?
"I wasn't even sure if I would ask her," he replied quietly, rolling the jewel box round in his hand, "But after I got that owl, I realized how badly I wanted her in my life."
"Looks like you owe Harry one then," chuckled Bill hesitantly
Charlie nodded in consent.
Bill reached down and picked up the fallen mug and then asked, "How did they know to owl you?"
"Cyndi had a picture of me on her," answered Charlie and with a grin added," Jackie there recognized it."
Bill nodded his head with a smirk.
"Mum will have supper on soon and dad soon to be back before much longer."
With that Bill strode off. Charlie just stood there now looking at the box him-self.
"What are you two doing?" exclaimed Mrs. Weasley.
Hermione straightened up in a hurry just in time otherwise Ginny would have smacked her right in the jaw.
"What are you looking at?" continued Mrs. Weasley.
"Deer," stated Ginny in stunned surprise, "Some deer were there."
Mrs. Weasley raised a brow at them and shook her head.
"Well at least something's back to normal around here."
Mrs. Weasley turned and headed back to the shed door, pausing by the swing a moment and then continuing on. A barrel sat by the door where she reached in and pulled out a potato sack while exiting through the shed door.
Ginny suddenly broke into giggles and Hermione sighed in relief.
"We better go before Bill gets there,' stated Ginny and she hurried off still giggling slightly.
Hermione started to follow and paused by the swing as well.
- Mrs. Weasley really likes this, - thought Hermione as she placed her hand on it.
She rubbed her hand on one of the supporting beams in sudden confusion.
"Its cold out," whispered Hermione, "But the wood is still warm?"
Hermione was about to investigate further Ginny's voice called out to her. Hermione bit her lip in frustration now. So many things were happening along with so many waiting questions and still not a chance to pursue any of it. Hermione hurried out the shed door with only a quick look back. That look told her something as well. One of the wooden planks was missing the back of the swing.
Back in the kitchen, they had just gotten the potatoes out and began peeling when Bill walked in.
"Did you find Charlie?"
Mrs. Weasley immediately questioned before the door had even shut.
He just grinned replying, "Yep, a good friend of his got hurt… they were here to pay a visit when… well when everything happened."
Mrs. Weasley looked relieved and became much more relaxed.
"Well then let's get this brew going than shall we."
Ginny and Hermione peeled and diced every potato and vegetable placed in front of them. Ginny chatted on about things; apparently back to her-self again. Mrs. Weasley popped in and out of the kitchen to check on everything being cooked and helping the Grangers who were declining to rest but instead aid in restoring the Weasley homestead. Bill had begun working on the fireplace and chimney. Charlie finally came in and before his mother could say a word he kissed her forehead, threw off his jacket and joined Bill.
Through all that, late afternoon went to mid evening and Molly head a dinner of potato soup and more that could give the feasts of Hogwarts some competition.
Hermione wondered if Mrs. Weasley's cooking was similar to potion making. It seemed to call to everybody, drawing them like sweet nectar to starved humming birds. Bill and Charlie had finished the repairs to the mason work of the chimney and fireplace then hurried through a quick cleaning. Fred and George were wakened by it and groggily stepped into the kitchen with sleepy grins. Ron even made an appearance though stayed quiet. Hermione's parents made no refusal either.
Just as she was setting, the front door opened and closed which caused Mrs. Weasley to rush out of the kitchen. Voices carried back in the kitchen.
"Daken, Arthur finally!" cried Mrs. Weasley, "Finally, I was beginning to think you had decided to live there."
"He might have if I hadn't found him," replied Daken's voice, "That place is insane right now."
"Sorry about that," spoke Mr. Weasley's voice brightly, "Mr. Minet asked me to answer some questions for him… and do a couple of other things… I wanted to call home but finding a fireplace or an owl was harder than getting the twins to behave for five minutes."
"Its true," whispered George, "Our best time is just over three minutes so far."
Ginny giggled covering her mouth and even Ron laughed, Hermione could only grin in agreement but her parents were a little surprised.
Mr. Weasley came in and joined his wife at the table. Daken followed but stood at the counter. Nibbling at a small bowl of soup, Daken had poured the contents of a silver flask into it, making a very red color. Hermione hoped she wouldn't have to explain to her parents why. Thankfully Daken did look much better. His ear was nearly formed and hair was growing nicely back in place. He wasn't wearing gloves now but his hands had black spots to them.
"Should I try to rouse Rela?" inquire Ginny.
"No," replied Mrs. Weasley, "She'll wake up when ready and we'll have some of this waiting."
A good amount of time passed. Stories shared were, especially between the Grangers and Mr. Weasley as to muggle customs of the holidays. Bill and Charlie were conversing with the twins on a number of things, Hermione couldn't keep up as they would change subjects so fast. Ginny moved between conversations with her and Mrs. Weasley. Ron didn't talk much but he seemed to have a content look on his face. Daken seemed much the same as he had adjusted to sitting on the counter, resting his head against a cabinet.
Hermione rather enjoyed seeing everybody so comfortable but she didn't deny that there were still two people missing. Both who had made large sacrifices to help. Hermione tried not to show her thoughts of that but wasn't sure if anybody had noticed.
Dinner ended and Molly shooed everyone out, firmly denying any help. She had big pot of coffee made and mugs ready for everyone to take into the mostly restored living room.
A roaring fire burned brightly and happily in the new fireplace as they finished the pot Mrs. Weasley. Mr. Weasley inquired if anyone would like a stronger drink and shot down the twins before they could even make the attempt but had a glass ready for Daken without waiting for his response. He took and sipped at it hungrily.
The clock finally chimed at eleven o clock, surprising everyone that so much time had passed. Lionel and Jean decided the day was over for them and after a long hug with their daughter, Hermione sent them home with the portkey.
Mrs. Weasley took that as a cue as well as she stated, "Alright, everyone to bed or at least back to bed as the case may be."
"But mum," said Ginny hurriedly, "We haven't put up the tree yet."
Mrs. Weasley brushed Ginny's face and replied, "We'll do it in the morning… so all the more reason to get going."
Ginny gave a small grin and said good night before heading to the stairs.
Mrs. Weasley turned to those still sitting in the living and with hands on hips she stated firmly, "That goes for everyone."
Bill and Charlie didn't say a word but urge Fred and George to their feet towards the stairs. Ron set his mug on the tray and followed.
They wished her goodnight and headed up the stairs.
"Sleep in your room tonight," called up Mrs. Weasley to Ron," I want you to have a good night's rest."
Ron didn't argue as he passed by Harry's door and continued to his room.
Hermione had waited to be last to asked, "Would you like some help?"
"Good night Hermione," replied Mrs. Weasley, "Another cot is all ready for you."
"But"
"Good night," repeated Mrs. Weasley as Hermione watched her walk into the kitchen.
With that Hermione went up the stairs as well and entered Ginny's room.
"Well now I'll get those dishes done," spoke Mrs. Weasley aloud to her-self.
However she found a surprise instead. Everything was already washed and laid out drying.
"But when?" whispered Mrs. Weasley, a little taken back.
She stood at the table to see every one of her pots and pans along with every dish and mug all scrubbed clean and sparkling in the evening light
"Damn," answered Daken stepping in, grunting, "That elf is quiet."
There was a soft thud as Mr. Weasley appeared from the basement door and setting down some boxes he had brought up.
Mrs. Weasley smiled at his sight and headed out of the kitchen.
"Well that leaves more time for the tree then," replied Mrs. Weasley cheerily.
Daken raised his brow at her and questioned, "I thought you told Ginny about doing it in the morning?"
"I did," answered Mrs. Weasley and gave him s quick look, "But I want to put it up now."
Daken laughed lightly and head for the front door.
"Where you headed?" inquired Mr. Weasley.
Daken adjust his cloak and slid on his gloves answering with, "I want to check things in the village again."
"Well don't stay out too late," cautioned Mrs. Weasley," You're not all vampire."
Daken left and the two Weasleys ended their night in a decorating frenzy.
At some hour in the night, Hermione was awakened by a sudden chilled draft. She sat up and took a sleepy look around the room. Rela was still fast asleep and no sign of soon awakening. Ginny was asleep as well, some hair dangling on her face and wafting with each breath.
Hermione shook of the chill and nestled back into a comfortable position. However instead of falling back asleep, Hermione found her-self suddenly restless and becoming more awake with each passing moment.
With a groan of tired frustration, Hermione climbed out of her cot and into her robe. Her wand lay under the pillow and she pulled out to tuck into a side pocket. With a yawn she headed for the door, deciding to get a drink since being up now.
She opened the door with a loud creak and looked to the others. Ginny and Rela made no indication of noticed movement and Hermione couldn't deny being a little jealous of them being able to sleep so soundly.
She stepped out onto the landing of the stairs, quietly closing the door behind her. She looked over her shoulder at the closed door of Harry's room and considered checking in but he hadn't stirred since last seeing him.
- I'll just have to be patience - thought Hermione, heading down the stairs.
She crossed the living room into the kitchen.
Hermione filled a glass with water and leaned against the sink looking out the window to the starlit sky and snow glowing in the moonlight.
Then she heard something, a sound both faint but clear. She turned, sliding her hand into her pocket. There didn't appear to be anybody there. She looked through the doorway from where she stood, waiting. Hermione was sure something was there.
She set the glass down as quietly as possible and moved with as much stealth her robe would allow. Hermione circle the kitchen, drawing her wand in the process. She stepped to the doorway and began to pass through it.
There it was again, small and faint, but it seemed to be purposely getting her attention. Hermione tried to focus as it didn't sound like something human but rather… like an animal. A feeling said she had heard it before. It came again and Hermione knew it was in the direction of the stairs. Turning fast, looking between the posts of the railing, she saw something small and orange colored rush up the stairs.
Hermione ran, rounded the base of the stairs and moved as fast as her legs would let her. Whatever it was, it had escaped sight as she moved up the stairs but did see something that shouldn't have been. The door to Harry's room was open, just a little but it was open when it had surely been shut before.
She moved along the wall and the doors to the rooms of the others. Something in her mind shouted to open one and alert someone but another said to continue without doing so.
She the edge of Harry's door and leaned in closer. Hermione could hear a faint talking voice on and off along light movement, it sound like only one person but whoever it was, they were talking to someone and not getting a verbal response.
Hermione gently placed her hand on the door. It squeaky a little and she cursed to her-self as the room went quiet.
Hermione waited, each heartbeat growing louder in her ears, sure that it was loud enough for the unknown person to hear it as well.
Since Harry was in there, Hermione knew this waiting game was not in her favor and decided she may as well go in. Relying on the high possibility that whatever happens there would be noise and hopefully enough to wake the others.
In a quick move, Hermione pushed the door open and hurried in. Her wand held out and and a leg locker curse at the tip of the tongue. The door swung freely, thudding lightly against the wall. Hermione scanned the room for whatever talking a moment ago but she saw no one. She didn't see anyone and nothing seemed out place initially.
That was until she heard the sounds again. This time so close it was next to her. It sounded like something that meowed like a cat at her.
Hermione looked down and there at the foot of Harry's bed, lying comfortably on a spare folded blanket on top of a school trunk was an orange cat with a flat pug face, with its tail twitching and looking unconcerned up at her.
"Crookshanks," whispered Hermione, taking a relieving breath," You almost got to find out what a leg locker curse would do to a cat."
Crookshanks just looked at her, licking his jaw a moment, tail still lightly twitching.
Hermione pocketed her wand and moved to set next to her cat. As soon as she sat down, Crookshanks was in her lap, rubbing and purring quite happily. She scratched at his ears and under his chin. Then she stopped and Crookshanks just looked at her waiting for more attention.
"Hold on," said Hermione, looking at her cat questioningly," I didn't bring you with me. So how did you get here?"
Crookshanks walked off her lap and dropped to the floor. She watched him circle the trunk and she leaned over to watch. Crookshanks stopped at the side of the trunk where something sat, wrapped in a raggedy cloth and tied at the top. The cat rubbed up against the cloth, then sat down next to it and let off another meow to her.
Hermione reached down cautiously and picked up the wrapped it item. She felt something move inside. Glancing at Crookshanks, who sat on the floor and watched her, Hermione undid the string and let the ragged cloth fall down. The wrapped contents turned out to a jar filled with a sluggish gray liquid, swirling thickly inside. She took a hard look at it and her thoughts went rapid.
- It couldn't be, - she thought, - There's way too much.-
Hermione slid off the trunk and placed the jar next to her. She dropped the spare blanket and ragged cloth to the floor and Crookshanks promptly took after the string. Hermione opened Harry's trunk and rummaged inside. She found his current Herbology book and drew her wand again, calling the Lumos spell forth for more light.
Flipping through the pages assured of where the text was she found what she had been looking for and read the introduction page on the subject.
Maldibourn Honey
Originates from the Maldibourn Flower
Date of Discovery 1742
Named after Aleen Maldibourn; a witch who ingested it as part of a journey to find new ingredients to improve her baked goods made and sold at market.
The plant it-self is extremely poisonous however the sap from its flower is quite the opposite. The healing powers are suppose to have similar results to the fabled theory of the healing abilities of a phoenix's tears.
Due to the extreme lack of wild growth of the flower, since discovery, many attempts have been made to cultivate the flower for mass production of the sap it develops.
Unfortunately the fullest extent of the sap and its creation is as much a mystery as the growth of the flower it-self. Among the many the attempts for cultivation, at least up until the release of this book, no one on record has been able to successfully raise more than two or three flowers at best. Studies still continue to determine what conditions and needs must be met for successful growth of the flower.
Once the flower is fully grown and blooms, it will develop the sap within hours. Its sap can then be collected and processed for use. To process the sap, one only needs to allow it to congeal within a container in a cool place. The once brownish yellow sap will then thicken into a honey like state and turn a dark grayish color.
Direct application of the Maldibourn honey can heal, theoretically, any wound. Again due to the lack of resourceful access, both from wild growth and cultivation, direct application is not used in common medical practice. The essence of the healing powers can be transferred to a potion by simply adding it as an ingredient but the results are less effective as it becomes diluted from brewing.
Please note that because of the extensive healing power the sap holds and because of its rarity, Ministry Ordinance 512 of the Moral Code of Conduct of Magical Persons orders that any sap in the form of processed honey or living Maldibourn plant found be reported or turned in for fair compensation to nearest Ministry or St. Mungo division.
Further details continued on page 512.
Hermione closed the book and set it back in the trunk. Closing the lid, Hermione rose to sit on it taking the jar up as well. She peered at its contents, thoughts running by options. She gave a quick glance over her shoulder at Harry still wondering.
Hermione didn't have her potions kit, as had left her school things at home but there was still Harry's. With it she could tell if the contents were real but the problem was it would take quite a bit of time and no assurance that Harry had enough ingredients to suffice. A few more options crossed her mind but each was unlikely or required a lot of effort that could cause trouble.
Hermione glanced at Harry and made a final decision. One which involved the simplest option and that was just to try it.
With some effort, she twisted the cork top and broke the wax seal. Hermione set the jar and cork top on the lid of the trunk next to her, drawing her wand.
Hermione rolled up the sleeve of her left arm and chose a spot of her under arm.
"Incendio," whispered Hermione, as the tip of the wand ignited with a blue flame.
She held the tip close to the under part of her arm and felt the heat of the flame begin to singe the hairs there.
Her sensibility screamed at the stupidity of this action but made she had made her choice. Harry was willing and did suffer great injury for her and Ron's sake in the past. Those thoughts quieted the resistance in her.
With a quick breath and bit her tongue, Hermione pushed the tip of her wand to the skin and pulled away. She had tears in her eyes before the burning pain surging through her arm to brain fully register it-self. It subsided quickly and the area felt both numb and painful at once.
Opening her eyes, Hermione looked at small burned spot on the under part of her fore arm. Blood pooled around blackened flesh and shriveled skin. It was no bigger than the size of knut in area but the burn felt much larger. She found her-self breathing hard suddenly since it still hurt so much.
Hermione quickly set her wand down and placed her free hand into the jar, letting the honey stick to her fingers. She withdrew a small globule and held it near the burned spot as a small trickle of blood started to stream down her arm.
Biting her tongue again, Hermione pressed the substance onto the burn and smeared it around. Surprising there was the no pain as the area went completely numb.
She sat there and watched as the gray substance started to turn white and bubble as if it were being heated. She heard faint crackling and the numb sensation faded to heavy prickly feeling. The substance started to become clear and saw as the burn shriveled skin started to flake off like bits of dirt and blood faded away.
The pain was gone and Hermione used her wand hand to wipe away the residue. It was sticky like glue but as it wiped away, it left only a missing burn. No scars or tenderness. It was as if nothing happened. The only evidence was that of the memory in her mind and the stain of blood that had trickled along her arm, now dried with losing its source.
Encouraged now, Hermione picked up the jar along with her wand and stood up, hurrying around to Harry's side.
She called the Lumos spell again and balanced the wand on the glass of water so that it would illuminate Harry better.
Kneeling down, Hermione pulled Harry's blankets back. Reached for his shirt and began to unbutton it. She had gone about half way, seeing his chest become more exposed with each undone button and went still when her finger tip brushed the skin.
She felt her face begin to heat and shook it off.
In order to apply the honey, it would need to be put directly on the skin.
But as she finished undoing the buttons, the sound of her heartbeat started to get very loud and beat faster.
- What are you doing? - She thought to her-self, - Its not like it's the first time I've seen him without a shirt on -
She tried to calm her-self with reminders that this was to apply the Maldibourn Honey
But another though in her mind pointed out a simple but poignant fact. This would not be like a hug or kiss to the cheek or even a brush of hand to the face. This would involve more contact, even if it was to be just his chest; it was still a further step down an unknown path.
She pushed the shirt halves to either side and felt almost certain that her face would need some of the honey as it seem to burn hotly now. She forced the thoughts to the back of her mind by focusing on applying the honey.
Hermione picked up the jar and held it over Harry, looking over the area. Most of his chest still had long scabbed cuts and large dark bruises the size of cricket balls. His side was nearly black from the broken rib. She could only imagine how much it hurt and that caused a chill in her which froze any further delaying inhibitions.
Hermione tipped the jar and used her free hand to guide the gooey substance out onto Harry's chest. She let a good portion of it pour out before tipping it back up and setting the jar back on the floor. Using both hands, she slowly and gently massaged the honey in circles over the skin, feeling it begin to crackle and bubble between her fingers. Though initially gooey and thick, the honey seemed to melt on the warm flesh and spread easily. She made sure to get a good amount of it to his side and hope she wasn't pushing too hard but Harry made no movement of discomfort. The honey sizzled all over, louder than before but the scabbed wounds broke away and the bruises lightened until they couldn't be seen.
It took longer with Harry's side but the near black coloring slowly lightened and left only a red area, a sign of remaining tenderness.
She wasn't sure how much time had passed but the sizzling and bubbling eventually stopped as the dark grey honey cleared to the same sticky residue littered with dried bits of scabbed skin. The best result was that his pale skin had taken back a pinkish color and it even looked as it if breathing for Harry had become easier.
Hermione lifted her hands away, satisfied at the results. Her hands now tingled with a bit if numbness and it was difficult to move her fingers as the sticky residue had nearly cemented them together. Hermione attempted to get up without using her hands but it was difficult as her night dressing hindered movement. She made another attempt but stopped when she heard a squeak and click of a handle latch.
Looking at the door, remembering that she had been left ajar but now it was closed. Hermione also remembered having heard movement prior to entering the room. Wondering whether to reach for her wand, as something with long pointed ears, big eyes and green skin looked over at her from the opposite side of Harry's bed. It took only a moment to recognize it and her worries soothed but embarrassment to soar suddenly.
She could feel her face burn again maybe more so than the heat of the wood burner as Dobby stared at her.
"Dobby," whispered Hermione, practically horrified?
"Miss," whispered the elf, in a strangely quiet and placid tone, "You find Dobby's present."
"That was you?" questioned Hermione, remembering the sounds she heard earlier and then glancing at the jar beside her, asking, "You brought the Maldibourn honey?"
Dobby nodded his head and replied with his tone still the same, "Dobby went to get fresh cloths and water… but when Dobby come back… Dobby find door open and Miss using honey."
Hermione was sure her face was going to burst into flame. Dobby came around Harry's bed with cloths in one hand and very small bucket in the other. He set the items down and put one of the clothes into the bucket. Hermione didn't know which was worse at the moment, knowing that Dobby had seen her or that she now sat on the floor, practically helpless, unable to stand with both hands too sticky to do much with. Dobby pulled the cloth back out of the bucket, wrung it a few times and handed it to Hermione. Whatever it was that was mixed with the water had faint, terrible odor but as she started to use it, the sticky residue of the honey came right off. Hermione was about to inquire further but Dobby spoke up first.
"Dobby will not say anything about this," stated the elf, his placid tone slightly pleading now, "If Miss won't tell about Dobby."
"Tell about you? What would I have to tell?" questioned Hermione, then remembered what the book said about finding the honey and that even Snape had said it was law to turn it in and replied, "Of course not… I would never do that to you… even if you hadn't… seen this."
The elf smiled, turned around and with another cloth dampened by the mix in the bucket, Dobby began to wipe away at Harry's chest.
"Shouldn't we wait a while first," inquired Hermione, "It's only been a few minutes?"
Dobby shook his head and answered, "No… all done."
Hermione finished wiping her wands and even the spot on her arm before dropping the cloth back into Dobby's bucket. It then occurred to her as the cloth sunk in the mixture that not only did Dobby know how to clean off the residue but he also had brought what could be considered an extraordinary large amount of Maldibourn honey.
"Dobby," began Hermione, trying to word her question carefully, "How did you know what this would do?"
Dobby paused for a second and then continued, answering, "Dobby know many things."
"Okay," replied Hermione and then picked up the jar, looking at the amount and asking,
"Do you mind if I ask where you got all this?"
Dobby stopped again but this time turned his head to glance at her and for the first time, Dobby seemed to look at her with a mixture of doubt and wonder.
After a moment, he turned back to Harry and answered quietly, "Dobby grow flower."
Hermione looked at the jar again and then back to Dobby, wondering how far she could go in this.
"Dobby… there's almost two litters in this jar," spoke Hermione, hoping that she didn't sound accusatory as she asked, "In class Professor Sprout said that one flower barely produces an ounce of sap… this all didn't come from one flower did it?"
Dobby didn't stop or even acknowledge Hermione's question but continued to clean off the residue and refreshing his cloth intermittently.
"Dobby," began Hermione again but the elf cut her off.
"Yes," spoke the elf, "Dobby grow many flowers."
"But no one has been able to," began Hermione but again Dobby cut her off.
"No human," stated Dobby, "But Dobby is elf."
Hermione stared at the elf and then quickly slid across the floor, closer to Dobby.
"You're a magic creature," whispered Hermione suddenly surprised, "And yours is based in earth… it must be completely natural for you to be able to grow things."
Dobby glanced at her before turning and refreshing his cloth again.
"How come no one's asked elves to do this," question Hermione more aloud than actually to Dobby, "Or tried anything of the like?"
"Humans think they can do it all," answered Dobby, "Humans expect elves to cook and clean… simple things… they not think elves can do anything better."
Hermione furrowed her brow a bit and looked away.
"No… Dobby is wrong," spoke up the elf, looking at Hermione with a small smile, "Most humans think that… but not you or Harry… but to many elf is servant and no more."
"How did it ever come to that?" questioned Hermione slightly upset, "I mean this alone is incredible… not forgetting everything else you've done… but how did it ever become that humans and elves became this way… it couldn't have always been like this? I never seen anything in the books I've read."
Dobby's ears lowered a bit and his eyes squinted in thought as he stood still facing Harry, still wiping away.
"Dobby told… that long ago… long before Dobby's mother born… long before Dobby's mother's mother born and longer than before that," explained Dobby quietly, looking out at nothing particular but the air, "War happened between elves and another… but elves not strong enough to win… humans help elves… but elf home destroyed… elves no where to go… but humans offer home in their world… and elves make pact to live with humans."
"Then," whispered Hermione disheartened, crossing her arms" We enslaved you."
Dobby turned to Hermione and placed a damp hand on her arm.
"It was change in world," replied Dobby encouragingly, "And long time ago… humans and elves forget… things still change… some good, some bad… but all changes."
Hermione stared at the elf with confused curiosity and Dobby continued.
"Dobby live long enough to know that everything changes… bad things come and go… good things come and go," explained Dobby quietly, "When those like you… start coming into magic world… Purebloods not worry… later there many more and Purebloods get worried… bad things came and later bad things went away… now many Purebloods gone, marry those like you or die… change… world of magic, home to Purebloods no longer… not just elves but many now live with humans… long ago elves made choice best for them then… with world changing, time of elves serving Purebloods is also changing."
Dobby turned back to Harry and finished with, "Elves live longer than humans… Purebloods die off and with no family to serve, elves leave."
"Where do the elves go," asked Hermione suddenly, "When they their masters die… or they're freed like you?"
Dobby just gave her a look, smiling and Hermione got the distinct feeling that was a question he was not going to answer.
"If the elves… are going somewhere else now," questioned Hermione carefully again,
"Why are you here and not with them? I mean… in some ways… it seems like Harry is... has become your master."
Dobby appeared to have finished his task and with click of his fingers. Harry's shirt began to pull it-self together, buttoning as well. Dobby picked up the used damp clothes and put them in the bucket. He then picked up the jar, closed the lid and ran his finger along the wax, resealing it.
"Sirs is Dobby's friend… first friend, "answered Dobby looking up at her, "And sirs need friends too… more than ever… so Dobby stay."
Hermione smiled and prepared to get up but Dobby spoke again.
"But that not only reason," spoke Dobby, his tone less happy even sadden a bit, "When Harry first meet Dobby… Dobby make Harry very angry… because Dobby kept his letters away… then Dobby get him in big trouble with train…Dobby even get Harry hurt."
His ears drooped as far as they could as he looked to Hermione with his eyes as big as they could get.
"Dobby wanted to help… Dobby want keep the terrible thing away," continued Dobby, "But Dobby fool… old master wasn't after Harry at all… Dobby is one who put Harry in danger… Dobby caused him much trouble… not old master."
Hermione wanted to say something encouraging but Dobby reached into a pocket and pulled a filthy black sock, thickly encrusted with slime and blood, even some mold. Regardless of how it look and maybe even smelled, Dobby held it like a precious gem.
"Dobby give Harry no reason to help him… Dobby only cause trouble," continued the elf again, "But sirs tricked master into freeing Dobby… Harry freed Dobby even after everything bad Dobby do."
Hermione didn't know what to say, she knew there were details that Dobby was forgetting like the fact that he had warned Harry in the beginning of something terrible in the works but those facts didn't seem to matter to him. Hermione thought the conversation would end but Dobby had one more statement.
Hermione surprised watched Dobby's ears stand back up and oddly enough even curl in slightly. The elf's eyes squinted in an angry stare aimed at no one and small smile faded to an elf version of a scowl. Dobby's grip around the sock tightened so hard that dried bits of the encrusted filth broke off around his fingers in loud cracks.
"Dobby will stay with Harry," spoke Dobby and for the first time Hermione had ever heard, spoke with tone strong in anger even slight a growl, "Dobby not strong like wizard… but Dobby know old master's many secrets… many tricks… and Dobby will help Harry stop them."
Hermione stared at Dobby surprised by the usually innocent nature suddenly becoming threatening but then Dobby's ears straightened up again and his elf smile replaced the scowl. In all of that, all Hermione could do was just stare, even slightly frighten by the elf.
"Dobby must go," perked up Dobby happily, his ears wiggling slightly and glancing towards the door, "Much to do."
Dobby clicked his fingers again which caused Harry's blankets slide over and tuck in around him. Hermione looked towards Harry's sleeping face and thought how amazing it was that those like Dobby were drawn to Harry. Even her-self and Ron, Rela as well, it just seemed that Harry had something about him that drew people and creatures to him.
Dobby picked up his small bucket and began to walk towards the door. Hermione looked away from Harry back to the door as it was just about then that Hermione heard something else, something like a gentle scratching.
"Hello Cookanks," greeted Dobby to the cat as it entered the room when Dobby opened the door.
At first, Hermione only saw the tip of his tail as Crookshanks entered the room and rounded the corner of Harry's bed. When Crookshanks came around the bed, something dangled from its mouth and Hermione thought her cat had decided to show her another mouse it had caught, not a habit she fancied. However as the cat got closer, she noticed that whatever was being carried didn't have a head or legs and what could have been a tail was a bit of string. In Crookshanks mouth was a package wrapped in parchment and tied by a piece of string. The same package that Hermione had wrapped Harry's glasses in the prior evening.
Crookshanks trotted up to her and dropped the item into her lap then rubbed against her legs purring. Hermione picked up her cat and held him so she could look at him.
"You know… I've should have caught on to you sooner," whispered Hermione to
Crookshanks, "You're more than what you seem aren't you?"
Crookshanks just purred letting his tail wag as Hermione held him in the air.
"You not animagus are you?" questioned Hermione, amused and blushed a bit as also asked, "Not some boy whose been watching me all this time?"
Crookshanks just tilted his head to one side and gave a quick meow while otherwise purring contently. Hermione sat Crookshanks down, who immediately hopped up onto Harry's bed, stood there and watched her.
Hermione opened the package in her lap and retrieving Harry's repaired glasses from within. Hermione stood up and bent over Harry, opening and slid his glasses over his face. Hermione fussed with the hair around his forehead but satisfied that the image that was Harry was further restored. All that remained was for him to awaken.
Before Hermione straightened up, she touched the tips of her fingers to her lips and then gently touched the tips of those same fingers to Harry's lips as well.
"Happy Christmas Harry," whispered Hermione into his ear, with that she move up over his head, paused and then kissed his forehead adding, "Please wake up before too long."
Straightening up, Hermione adjusted her robe, walking quietly to the door and out, followed by Crookshanks. She walked down the stairs quietly, Crookshanks at her heels but rather than go back to bed, she suddenly felt thirsty and her lips had a sudden dry numbness. Most likely from the chill in the house as it had been drafty lately.
Down the rest of the stairs and into the living room towards the kitchen Hermione went again but with Crookshanks following. In the kitchen, Hermione filled a kettle with water and placed it on the stove. With a touch of her wand and a moment later, the kettle began to steam. She reached into a cupboard and found her-self a mug. Filling it with hot water from the kettle, Hermione moved to the counter and nicked a couple of tea leaves from a jar. Crookshanks meowed to her and Hermione turned to see him sitting on the table.
"You know mum doesn't want you doing that," remarked Hermione amused as Crookshanks simply lay down as if in defiance, "I'll bet Mrs. Weasley isn't keen on the idea either."
Lying there, Crookshanks just meowed to her again and Hermione just shook her head. Turning and fetching a small bowl from a cupboard behind her, moved to the refrigerator and poured some milk into it. Turing back and placing it on the floor, Crookshanks leapt from the table hurried to the milk, lapping it hungrily. Picking up the tea and picking out the leaves, Hermione moved to the sink to look out the window again.
Sipping at it, Hermione had some trouble drinking it as her lips had yet to retain full feeling and the hot liquid burned at the tip of her tongue. Blowing and carefully sipping, Hermione let her mind wonder about what had made the branches move outside when she had first gotten back to the burrow.
It had been big enough to cause a vibration for her to feel and loud enough breathing to be heard from its distance. The branches that swayed were high, more than her reach, so it had to be tall in standing. Whatever it was it had come with Fawkes and the phoenix was okay with its presence. There was also what Daken had said, which was that it had been okay with her, which meant it must know her. When Ginny and her-self had gone to the shed, she hadn't notice any presence of whatever the creature was.
There was a clattering and Hermione looked down to see Crookshanks licking his jaws over an empty dish. She set her mug down on the table and knelt down. Taking a hold of the dish, Hermione looked at Crookshanks.
"How did you get here?" questioned Hermione, "I didn't bring you with me."
Crookshanks suddenly took off behind her and the legs of the table and chairs, Hermione saw a pair of feet step slowly into the kitchen. Either they had woken up like her or all the noise she made had stirred them and she readied an explanation. She rose up from the floor and looked over the table.
"I'm sorry if I woke you but."
That was as she could say.
Hermione let go of the dish and didn't hear ii crash back to the floor.
There at the doorway, stood someone, slightly wobbling, with pinkish pale skin. Their black hair was messy, as it always had been since she first saw it nearly five years ago. This person looked back at her with half opened eyes through a pair of glasses.
There stood Harry Potter.
Hermione didn't know what to say or do, she didn't even think, only reacted. Her mind never focused on the distance or the space that was traveled, only that at one moment she was looking at him and the next she had this boy in her arms.
Next Chapter:
Man or Monster Part 3