Harry sat up in his bed slowly, placing his head in his hands and taking long, quiet, deep breaths. He could feel the sweat running over his chest and arms. Slowly, after steadying himself, he looked up and into the eyes of his best friend.
"I'm glad you woke up." She whispered to him, stroking his cheek. "Your screams woke me up. I've been here for a while, but I couldn't calm you down…" Her voice was pained and if the candle could produce enough light, one could see a few tears running down her face. Harry opened his mouth to say something, but Hermione hugged him to her. His head rested on her shoulder. "It's not fair." She spoke softly, stroking his hair. "Why should you suffer like this?"
Breath of Fire III
By:
Satashi
Harry chose not to say anything. Instead he wrapped his arms around her and started to cry. "Shhhh" She hushed him softly, still stroking his hair. "Just let it out. It's okay. No one will think any less of you." Harry buried his head deeper into her shoulder, and silently cried. Hermione held him to her gently. "That's right, just let it out." He nodded, but his tears were slowing.
After a moment, he pulled back and wiped his eyes on his arm, but stopped when she took his wrist in her small hand. She had a small hand towel, probably summoned from her trunk by his wand that was on the table by her. She looked into his eyes, asking permission. Harry nodded after a moment and allowed her to dry off the top part of his body slowly. He still didn't say anything, or protest her babying of him. It felt rather nice, in fact, after the horrid dream he had just went through.
When he was rid of the sweat, Hermione gently pushed him back down onto his bed. Even after being healed, he should take it easy for a few days. He had to repair a lot of damage to his body. It would be physically taxing for a while. After making sure Harry was lying down, Hermione retreated to her bed.
Harry sighed a moment and closed his eyes, trying to re-blank his mind. On top of it all, he had somehow kicked his covers off the end of his bed. It was also a little chilly. Hermione had enchanted their room to be cool a few days after they had set everything up the way they liked it. Hermione was one of those people who liked to be cool all the time. Of course he didn't protest. No matter how stylish, those robes got hot after a while…
Harry opened his eyes when he smelt pleasurable incense and felt warm hands on his back. Looking around, he saw his best friend sitting beside him, kneading his tight muscles of his back. "Close your eyes." She said after a moment. "Relax." He nodded lightly and rested his head back into the pillow, pleased to do so. The massage lasted ten minutes, and Harry felt immensely better. When the warm hands retreated from his back, he sighed happily- well content now. The lotion she had used was nice and kept his skin feeling nice and smooth. Although it was gone now, rubbed into his back, he still felt a little warm. The smell of incense slowly faded away, as did the light from the small bedside candle Hermione had lit as well.
Soon, he felt his bed shift and the covers make their way back over him, but with something extra. "Hermione?" He asked, speaking for the first time since he woke up. His voice was a little horse from the crying, making her give him a sad look.
"Close your eyes." She told him once again, placing a kiss on his forehead and on top of his scar. "I'll stay with you for tonight. I won't let anything happen to you." Her voice was soft and motherly. She wrapped her arms around him and placed her forehead against his. After a few moments, she felt him place an arm over her waist. "Sweet dreams, honey." She whispered, sneaking a kiss to his nose.
"Sweet dreams, 'Mione."
~**~
Hermione awoke slowly; opening her eyes reluctantly wondered vaguely of why the sun wasn't on her curtains like usual. When her vision came to her, she realized that the reason of why the sun wasn't on her was that the fact that Harry Potter had his arm draped over her middle. Thinking back, she remembered of what had brought her to his bed and sighed against his chest. Was he feeling any better this morning? A kiss to her forehead told her that he was, indeed, feeling better.
"Good morning." He greeted with a small laugh. "Sleep well?"
"Mm." She replied, happy that he was all right. With this burden off her mind, she let herself stretch out and arc her back. She instantly blushed and pulled away a little bit when she felt something touching her stomach when making the motion of bending her back. "Well," She stated, giving him her best 'I know everything' look. "It seems you are happy to see me."
He instantly flushed. "Hermione!" He almost shouted. "It's morning! I can't help it!"
"You were trying to take advantage of me, weren't you?" She accused, pulling the covers dramatically up to her chin. "Harry raped me!"
"I most certainly did not!" He laughed out at her constant and over dramatic sounds ("Eek! Eek! I lost my virginity! Eek! Help me!") "Hermione Granger, I think you raped me!"
Hermione instantly stopped her tirade. "Huh? Is that possible?"
He stopped to consider it. "Um, yeah?" He was hit in the face by a pillow and soon found the covers thrown over him and the corners quickly tied in a knot.
"I, Harry Potter," She told his struggling, bound figure. "Am going to take a bath. If you are good, I'll untie your sheets when I get back."
"Hermione Granger! You undo that knot this instant! I swear I'll rip out of these…Hermione? Hermione!"
~**~
"Harry?" Ginny asked, walking past him. "Shouldn't you be going to breakfast by now?"
Harry grinned lamely, shutting the door to his room with a small click. " 'Morning Ginny," He greeted before replying. "Hermione tied me up on the bed and I didn't get out until… that sounded bad, didn't it?"
"Uh-huh."
"Let me try again."
"Sure thing."
Harry walked back into his room and took a breath. Opening the door, he stepped out. "Oh, Hey Ginny!" He greeted, smiling. "The dangest thing happened this morning! Hermione jumped me and before I knew it, I was tied in a bundle of sheets with the corners knitted together so tight I couldn't undo them!" Here Harry laughed like it was the funniest thing on earth. "If Dobby hadn't came when he did, I might have been there all day!"
Ginny smirked to herself and shook her head." You are weird, did you know that?"
"I did."
She noticed he was carrying his shower supplies. "Going to bathe before breakfast?"
"No time, just going to shave. I'll take a bath after Care of Magical Creatures."
"Oh, can I watch?"
"Huh?"
"I like watching guys shave, It's interesting." She blushed a little, looking down.
"Yeah, sure." Harry shrugged and the two walked to the bathroom. "But don't you have Charms?"
"Wednesdays are pushed back an hour because of dueling club, so we can rest up. Remember?"
"Must have slipped my mind." Harry mused. 'That's why she didn't come up to untie me yet…'
"Anyway," Ginny paused as Harry stuck his head in the male Gryffindor's bathroom to make sure no one was in there. The sinks were separated from the baths anyway, but they more often than not streaked through there anyway. When Harry motioned for her to stand in the doorway, she did and watched him stand at the first sink, a few feet away. "I wanted to talk to you."
"About?" He put shaving cream on his face.
"Malfoy."
"What about him?" To her surprise, he didn't have much contempt in his voice. It just seemed he was slightly irritated talking about him so early in the morning. "He do something to you?"
"Oh, no, no… I just noticed that he had a very pretty ring on…"
Harry filled up the sink with warm water. "Ring, huh?"
"Yeah…" She watched him dip his shaver into it. "Aren't you using your wand for that?" Harry shook his head, bringing it to his neck and (to her utter amazement) started shaving against the grain. "Doesn't that hurt?"
"Nope." He made another sweep across his skin, making Ginny wince at how casual he was about it. "It's a Muggle Razor. Mach 3 Turbo, it doesn't matter if you shave up or down. I got Sirius to buy them for me."
Ginny shook her head and ignored how weird he was in early mornings. "Anyway, the ring, it looked as if it was made out of the same metal your necklace was."
Harry cut himself deeply, but spun on his heels, grabbing her shoulders. "What!?"
"H-Harry!" She pulled from his grasp. "You're bleeding!"
"I don't care!" He snapped, before calming down. "The ring, Ginny. Are you sure it was the same metal?"
She shook her head and pushed past him, grabbing a washcloth and placing it on his cheek. "Harry, you'll scar if you let it be untreated. We should get it healed just in case. Your dumb muggle razor has three blades on it, it's really deep…"
Harry ignored her and continued to shave, getting done before surrendering to her plea and letting her drag him to the hospital wing. The way down was quiet, as nothing was spoken between the pair. Harry was more concentrated on talking to a voice that only he could hear.
'The ring, she said.' He thought to Celestial, 'That explains why he's changed. Could it be…'
"Another dragon? No, sweetie, I highly doubt that. There is a spell that changes living items into jewelry such as I have befallen, but not another dragon. The odds are too great."
'Then what…?'
"You said he hated muggles, did you not? But didn't he mention 'muggle methods' when you were on the train? Think, Harry, I don't lecture you for no reason."
Harry thought hard indeed. 'He has some ability to control the air around him, cutting off my ability to read emotion and auras… What can do that?'
"Only one thing."
'What is it?'
"Harry, dear, I'm not going to live your life for you. I'm only here to guide you. I'll lend you power and protect you until I can no longer… But your mind, Sweetie, is your mind. Use it to it's fullest. I'll help you store information, you seek after answers."
Harry growled, frustrated and spoke aloud in his state, forgetting Ginny was next to him. "Celestial!" He called her name. "Help me here, will you? It's changed Malfoy too much to over look!"
Ginny stopped, making Harry- who had been walking behind her- bump into her. This apparently made him realize his mistake. "Harry?" She ventured, looking at him oddly. "You are acting strange, you are. Is there something wrong?"
He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Ginny, I have a headache. I'm going to go lay down."
"But-"
"Thanks for caring Gin, I'll be fine." And with that, Harry Potter turned, letting his robes bellow out behind him and catch wind as he walked, almost making it look like he was wearing a cape.
"But, Harry," Ginny said to herself, watching him leave. "We're already here…" Sighing, she walked into the Wing to see if she could get a headache potion herself. Harry was thoroughly confusing her now. Once inside, she noticed a few students standing around. Obviously a few had decided to train a little for the dueling club. With a shake of her head, she once again aided Madam Pomfrey.
~**~
Time flew for the people at Hogwarts it seemed. Already it was now a month into the New Year and the first Hogsmeade trip was already upon them. Harry and Ron were laughing and carrying on as they came from the seventh year boy's dorm. Even if Harry was a prefect now and had his own bedroom to himself, he was still found with his friends in their room almost all of his spare time.
Dean was talking to a girl in her sixth year, and after a few stutters and blushing fits, he found himself hand in hand with his new interest. Ron and Harry patted him on the back and congratulated him on finally asking her out. He managed a small "Thanks" before retreating out the portrait. Seamus made it public knowledge hew was going to meet a 'hot Ravenclaw chick' and he, too, went out through the portrait.
Hermione was next to come into the common room. She, however, did not look really happy. Instead, she walked up to her two best friends and offered an apology of being late. She then informed them that Lavender Brown was sick and she would be staying behind to look after her. Harry protested at first, but found himself submitting to her will after puppy dog eyes and a peck on the cheek.
In the background, Ron made a motion of popping a whip to show the rest of the common room just how whipped Harry was when it came to Hermione. Another pair of sixth years also demonstrated an act of one pulling the other, as if there was a connection between them. Also known as 'keeping him on a short leash'. When the two seventh years turned to see why everyone was laughing so hard, it instantly fell silent and seemed nothing was going on. Hermione smiled thanks up to Harry, missing the show of Ron air whipping the sixth year and making him lick his shoe to show just who the master was.
Obviously, it was Hermione in this case.
~**~
Harry and Ron walked down the hall in full casual attire. Harry sported jeans and a black shirt and black timberland shoes. He wore a cloak instead of robes that was clasped by a silver dragon clasp in the front. Ron was beside him with sneakers and jeans, complete with a green short sleeved shirt. His cloths, however, were covered by a casual robe given to him by Harry last year at Christmas. At about the time they passed the hospital wing, they spotted Ginny, still in full Hogwarts attire.
"Hey, Gin, you not going to Hogsmeade with everyone?" Ron asked, looking her over.
"Actually," She blushed, knowing what she was about to say would sound stupid to the boys. "I was going to the hospital wing…I'm curious at everything in it."
"Oh sweet Merlin, she's snapped." Ron said in shock, taking her temperature by placing his hand on her forehead. "Harry, mate, she's fallen ill to the Hermione disease!"
Ginny swatted at him, and tried again when she missed. Harry interrupted her next attack and spoke in a serious tone. "Stop. This is serious." He gave them both a stern look before turning to Ron. "We need to help her before it gets worse. Next thing you know she'll be in the library instead of outside in her free time!" His serious voice broke at the end and the boys started laughing.
"Mou! You two…" She cracked a small grin herself, however, and continued to go to the Wing.
~**~
Hermione paused a moment at Harry's trunk. She didn't really like lying to him like she did, but she had finished her book last week and knew that asking for his would result in much teasing on her behalf (As well as several questions on why she wanted it). Deciding that Harry would forgive her, she opened his trunk and looked for the book. Finding it on the top, she smiled. She was no stranger to rooting through his things, but normally it was for a nightshirt to wear or to play a joke on him.
She once had taken all of his ink because he refused to work on an essay until the day before it was due. After waiting till the last moment (when everyone else was asleep), he took out his quill and parchment, but could not find his ink. After letting him worry about it for several minutes, Hermione finally gave into her conscious and gave him back the ink, telling him that he should start sooner because you never knew when something odd might happen.
But since she almost never went into his trunk with the purpose of snooping, she still felt a twang of guilt. Deciding to go ahead and get it over with, she sat on his bed and flipped to the first page.
Now that you have successfully bonded with your dragon, it is time to experiment with all the things you can do. First, be sure you are in a well-vented area. Also, take note that all dragon magic makes the caster's eyes turn to that of the dragon he or she bonded with. These effects are temporary and caused by the combining of mental powers.
Dragon Breath
Requirements: Time to breathe in fully. Also, one must be threatened. A human cannot breathe fire, for lack of fire glands and flammable saliva. Breath attacks are fatal, as they contain the heat of a fireless breath of a dragon. Also sulfur is magically brought up, leaving the caster to have a bad aftertaste in his mouth. Getting the taste out will be at the end of the spell.
First thing is to note that…
Hermione sighed. Was this just a spell book? She needed information to confirm what she read in her first book. The way it was going, she would have to actually catch Harry in the act of doing something in order to prove that he had, indeed, bonded with a dragon. "Harry." She sighed, shaking her head. "You do some dumb stuff, but messing with bonds? Honestly…" She looked back at the book and read some more. " You are one of a kind, Harold James Potter… One of a kind…" She smiled and read on.
~**~
Harry tossed the box of sugar quills up in the air and caught it as he walked down the halls. He had bought them when Ron wasn't looking. Harry wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he loved sugar quills. The only downfall was the fact that they were 'girl treats'. Any guy sucking on a quill would be picked on for an entire week, as he learned from Dean's mistake in his fifth year. The poor boy probably never ate another quill again. In the muggle world, chocolate was a girl's best friend, but in the wizarding world, it was sugarquills. "At least in the Muggle world, guys could eat chocolate…"
"You say something?"
"Eh?" Harry turned to see Rose, a fellow Gryffindor girl in Ginny's year. "Oh, nothing. Nothing at all."
She eyes the box in his hands. "Sugar Quills?"
"Um…"
"Honestly, Harry." She teased him as they walked together to the picture of the fat lady. "You're such a girl."
"They're for Hermione!"
"Surrrrrre"
"Honestly!"
"Smirnoff Ice." Rose told the picture, making it open. "I won't tell anyone." She winked before walking into the room.
Harry smirked to himself lightly before walking in after her and to his room. He would stash them in his trunk before anyone saw them. It was kind of late now, having spent the entire day in Hogsmeade. Ron and him had missed the ride back to Hogwarts and decided to hang out a bit more before walking back via the secret passage.
Opening his door, he spied Hermione lying on his bed. "Hey Herms." He greeted, walking over to her. When she didn't reply, he quickened his pace. A closer inspection revealed that she was asleep. Chuckling, he realized that she had fallen asleep while reading. Not questioning on why she was on his bed instead of hers, he slipped the book out from under her and looked at it. Advanced sorcery. It was his book. Shrugging, he placed it back in his trunk and wrote it off as her not having anything better to do. Lavender was on the couch downstairs. Maybe she got tired of looking after her for a while.
Taking his chance, Harry buried his sugar quills in his trunk and changed into his night cloths. He took a moment to tuck Hermione in, scared he might wake her if he carried her to her bed. Satisfied that she was comfortable, he made his way over to her bead and climbed in. It was a little to soft for his liking, but made due.
Pulling up the pink covers of Hermione's bed, he closed his eyes and inhaled her cherry scent that lingered on the sheets. He had become familiar with her scent over the years, but found that using the prefect's bathtub after her (too lazy to drain and re-fill), he personally knew exactly the smell she used and could pinpoint it in a room filled with ever perfume known to man in it.
Thinking back to his brief conversation with Rose, he smiled. Maybe he was like a girl in some ways.
~**~
Ron came through the common room door/portrait a little later, having gone down to the kitchens for the dinner he missed. The common room was empty, save a lone figure laying on the couch, staring into the fire. The fire was magically enchanted to not give off much heat, being it still wasn't quite cold enough outside just yet, and Ron found that at night, he was grateful for it. The fire was, more times than not, the only source of light late at night.
"Ron? What are you doing up so late?"
Ron looked at the figure, and realized it was Lavender. "Oh, hey. I hear you're sick. Doing any better?" He made his way over to her and knelt down beside her. Although they didn't talk too terribly much, she was still a friend to him.
"A little." She admitted. "It's just a virus. Should pass in two more days if I keep taking that god awful potion."
"Ah," Ron nodded. "The worst a potion taste, the better it is for you."
She laughed at him. "How true it is. Have fun in Hogsmeade today?"
"Yeah, loads. Wish you coulda been there."
"I wanted to be." She admitted with a sniffle. "I'm fresh out of Bart's every flavoured Beans. I love those things to death."
Ron quickly thought. Well, she was filling ill, and she missed the first Hogsmeade trip… What was a few beans between friends? "Here you go." He grinned, handing her his bag of beans. "I don't really need them. Why don't you take them?"
For some reason, Lavender found herself blushing. "No, I couldn't. Its common knowledge you love these things!"
"Yeah, well, sometimes giving them to someone is even better than eating them." He gently pushed it back into her hands. "Enjoy them."
Lavender smiled up at him and gave a small "Thanks."
It was then that Ron found a strange feeling in his stomach. "Hey, I gotta get going now. Get some sleep and all, you know." He took a step back and almost tripped over the table, getting a laugh from her.
"Silly Boy."
"Y-yeah!" He somehow managed to choke this out and make a run to his room and close the door behind him. "What the bloody hell was that all about….?"
~**~
"I can't say it was a pleasure teaching all of you…" Snape said coolly, pacing the circle of the dueling club. "If fact, quite a few of you disappointed me greatly." He looked around the audience, obviously stopping on a few people. "But, never the less, I have chosen the top thirty students who will participate in the Sorcerer's Circle."
Snape stopped suddenly and looked at his students. "Take note that these names are chosen from the number of duels you won, as well as the spells you cast. The Sorcerer's Circle will be the elite of the elite at Hogwarts. You thirty will be pushed to your limits in both physical and mental areas. After the first day, you will hate your professor. After a week, you'll wish you were never born. A month and you'll want to want to leave the wizarding world forever and forget the hellish training you'll go through. But." He clipped his heels military fashion as he turned to pace the opposite direction. "You'll make me damned proud when you fight a death eater."
Harry's world lurched violently. 'Did SNAPE just say he was proud of someone!?'
"When I call your names, please exit the room and wait outside. Your professor will meet you out there. Those of you who do not make it, you will train here with me. Ms. Chang! You graduated."
"Do you think we'll make it?" Ron asked Harry as names were being shouted and footsteps were made toward the door.
"I hope so." Hermione nodded. "I don't like the idea of being put through whatever it is he was describing, but anything is better than having Snape yell at me all day."
"Hermione," Harry gave a quirky grin. "You insulted a teacher, I'm proud."
"Virginia Weasley!"
Ginny was shocked. She didn't think for a moment she would be chosen. Walking to the door, she passed Snape, who had at one point made his way from the pit to just in front of the door. He handed her a small rolled up piece of parchment with a wax seal with the letters S.C. on it. "Thank you." Ginny said, taking it from him, but stopped when he didn't let go all the way.
"Death Eaters love girls." Snape told her in a hushed, but very serious tone. "Don't you dare get caught, Weasley!" With that, he retracted his hand harshly. "Now move, you're blocking the line! Draco! You graduated!"
"Wonder what he told her?" Hermione asked, fidgeting. Already half the students were called. "I'm betting it wasn't anything too nice. I-"
"Hermione Granger!"
Hermione beamed with pride. "See you out in the hall, boys." She winked and moved to the door, pride oozing in he steps.
Snape held out the parchment and let Hermione touch the other end before speaking. "Every sword needs a sheath." Before she could ask, he shouted out again. "Ron Weasley! You graduated."
Harry watched his friend go and bit back a smile. He was proud of his friends, but he had yet to be called. Harry watched as Ron paused at Snape, like everyone else, and saw Ron set his jaw and nod seriously. The next name was called out and, despite his will, he started fidgeting with anticipation. Dean had made it, as had Seamus. A boy by the name of Recca had also joined the team. A few more names were called and Snape looked up. "That is all."
Harry froze. 'No… No, I had to have made it…'
"But professor, you only called out twenty nine names?"
"Ah yes, I suppose that might of happened. Harry Potter."
Harry had to bite his tongue so he wouldn't growl. Snape had left him out on purpose just to get a rise out of him. This thought only made him madder, knowing that Snape's plan on him worked out fully. Muttering, he walked to Snape and tried to snatch the parchment from his hand, but found Snape was holding it tight, crumpling it.
"Harry," He stated so quietly he could almost not hear him. "for the last six years I had been Hell on you. When you go and face the death eaters, you will without a doubt be the best there is. To make a New World without fear, one must tear down the old. You will fight to the death. You will duel death eaters who will not think twice before casting the killing curse on you. You have chosen a side, now is the time to act. There is nothing glamorous about this. This is war. For the New World, can you kill, Harry?" He didn't let the boy respond. "I've seen your spells, and how you cast them. You're a brandished blade, Harry Potter. Show the world just what you can be when you are backed against the wall, as you have shown me these last six years." He was forceful with his words, as if he was trying to keep his dignity. "Now leave, your face is making me sick."
Harry was forcefully shoved out of the door and felt it clip his shoes as it was closed. Snape's voice was heard, even outside. He was clearly upset at having told Harry a compliment. "About time." A voice caught his attention, making him turn.
Harry's voice caught in his throat. "No…" He said, not able to mask his surprise. "You're teaching us…?" He slowly held up a finger. "You…?" A smile broke across his face. "All right!" The rest of the students cheered as well, celebrating their new teacher, minus a small few.
"Now, now." Their professor said, smiling. "Just because I was nice last time, doesn't mean I won't be mean this time." A few students laughed, but he went on. "Many of you remember me as it seems, but just in case, I'll introduce myself." He pulled on his tattered collar to his black trench coat in a fashionable way. "I am Remus Lupin. Your Sorcerer's Circle instructor."
~**~
"First thing!" Professor Lupin stated, pacing in front of the students much like Snape did. "This class will be honing your tactical skills, as well as defending. That means you will be forced to knock away curses as well as hold your own. An example! Harry, would you please?" He motioned for him to walk up next to him.
Harry did as he was asked with a smile. When he was at the front of the class, he gave his professor an inquisitive look. "Me and Mr. Potter here will be giving an example of what you will be doing. At least one of them, but then again, I am getting old. Maybe I forgot a third thing." A few students chuckled at this. "Anyway, Harry draw your wand, if you please."
Harry nodded and got into a stance, holding up his right arm and pointing it at Lupin, palm open as if he were about to grab the snitch. "Ah, yes." Lupin nodded at him, eyeing the stance. "I've heard about your wand-less magic. I also know the secret behind it." He winked. "But secrets such as that are not meant to be revealed. Harry, if you would, please cast the disarming spell on me." He drew his wand.
A quick nod showed that he understood and Harry took a sharp step forward, slashing his hand. "Expelliarmus!" He shouted, feeling the blast shoot from his hand. It hit Lupin full force in the chest, but he did not lose his wand. Harry stood up straight, clearly impressed.
"That was a simple defensive procedure." Lupin said simply, holding his wand up so everyone could see. "It takes more than just a firm grip, but a piece of mind. Before I teach you this technique, please get into groups of five. This group will be your training group. I suggest pairing with friends who will help you, but be warned that you will hurt these people you team up with."
Harry shivered lightly, but nodded over to Ron, who nodded back, serious. The boys paired off and soon found Hermione with them. Each gave a small smile of support. A minute later, Ginny walked up to them. "May I join?" She asked, looking at them. Harry shrugged and Hermione smiled, pleased to have another girl with them. Ron agreed readily, not liking the idea of his sister being hexed by anyone other than himself.
"Now, does everyone have a partner?"
"Just about!" a few people called, quickly scattering together.
Ginny noticed a boy by himself. She watched as he approached a group of slytherns (Only six had made it), only to be pushed away. The boy held out his wand, but found himself staring point blank at five pointed at him. Realizing he couldn't win face-to-face with five people, he pocketed his weapon and walked away. "I'll be right back." Ginny said after a moment. Not giving them a chance to respond, Ginny rushed off to find the boy.
"This bites." She heard him say as she caught up with him. "They don't even care, knowing I'm the best one here..."
"Malfoy?"
Malfoy turned sharply, glaring. "What is it weasel!?" No sooner than the words escape his lips then did he look sorry for saying them. Ginny watched with interest as he looked like he was having a mental debate with himself. A moment later, he spoke. "I was mad." He said, meaning it as an apology, but not actually saying it. "What do you want?" Again he looked sorry for snapping.
"You aren't paired with anyone." She told him ,stating a fact.
"Well aren't you the smart one?" He quipped, annoyed. "Look, I don't need your pity, I-"
"Whom says I'm pitying you?" She retorted hotly. "I wanted to ask you to join us. Not because I'm pitying you, but because I've seen you duel. You're good and I want to be the best. I'll need you there to go all out on me. I know my friends won't."
Malfoy was taken aback. A moment passed and he subconsciously fingered his ring. "All right then." He said after a while. "I'll join you. Not like I have a choice anyway, seeing as how your group is the only one who doesn't have five yet."
Ginny grinned at him. "Malfoy, you know, you try to be bad and all tough, but it doesn't work when you think about what to say before saying it." He was about to reply, but she cut him off. "Come," She grabbed his wrist and started pulling him. " You're a nice guy on the inside, you just have to show it."
"She's right, you know." Came a voice in his head.
'Hush, Christina.'
~**~
"Guys, here's our fifth member." Ginny greeted with Malfoy in tow. "I think we all know him."
"Malfoy?" Ron gasped, in utter shock. "No! No way, nuh-uh, not a chance! Did I mention no!?"
"Not like I want to team with you, Weasley!" Malfoy spat, annoyed.
Hermione looked over at Harry, who was considering it. "Malfoy," Harry started, stepping forward. "I'll let you in on one condition."
He looked like he was about to retort, but stopped himself. Taking a deep breath, he visibly calmed. "Okay," he said after a while. "What is it?"
"Shake my hand."
Malfoy considered this, but a small voice in his head calmed him down enough from Ron's insults to think straight. "Sure." He said after only a moment's pause. "I can do that." He held out his right hand.
Harry held out his left. "With your left hand."
Malfoy paused. His ring was on his left hand. "Why my left?"
"You hold your wand with your left hand, don't you? I think it's only proper to greet you with your dominant hand."
Slowly, very slowly, He raised his left hand and grasped Harry's. A spark ignited and Harry felt his magical power being sapped from him. They shook one time and let go. Harry rubbed his hand and Malfoy fingered his ring.
"He's in." Harry then stated.
"What the bloody hell do you mean in!?" Ron demanded, putting an arm over his shoulders roughly and pulling him close so he could whisper into his ear. "Harry, why do you want him with us?"
"Because, Ron." Harry whispered back, just as harshly as Ron had. "We don't have a choice, and he's willing to work with us. For his pride, or reputation, I don't care. Dumbledor gives everyone a second chance, why shouldn't we?"
Ron glared at his friend a moment before pulling back and turning around. "Fine. He can join." He glared at Malfoy over his shoulder. "You're getting a second chance, but don't blow it. You're on thin ice."
"Hermione?" Ginny asked with pleading eyes.
Hermione nodded. "I don't like the idea, but if Harry and Ron can accept it, and you Ginny, then I guess I can. But one 'Mudblood' from him and I'm going to hex him so bad, people will speak of it more than the chamber!" Harry clapped lightly to show how impressed he was with her.
"Does everyone have a complete team now?" Lupin asked them. When no one spoke up against him, he scanned the room and saw six groups of five people. "Good. Next step is to choose a team leader and name of team."
"I think it should be Ron." Harry said immediately, nodding to him with his head. "He's best with strategies."
"Chess strategies." Ron corrected. "Fixed movements. You can think faster on your feet, you should be it. Or maybe Hermione?" He turned to look at the girl. "She knows more hexes and spells and counter curses than all of us put together."
Hermione looked kind of nervous. "I don't feel comfortable having four people under me…"
"Potter." Eight eyes turned to the speaker. Malfoy was looking away from them, at Lupin, while he spoke the word. Slowly he turned around and gave them a meaningful look. "I can beat the Weasleys and Granger without any trouble." He turned to Ginny. "And Potter can beat all of you as well…..And he beat me. He should be the captain." Once again, Malfoy turned away from them. Their duel had been drawn as a tie, but he had personally taken it as a loss.
Ron scoffed. "He has a point. Harry did beat me when we dueled." He crossed his arms. "Although I think I could take him down."
"We are not fighting each other." Hermione stepped in. "Malfoy made a good point. Harry should be the captain."
"Yeah."
Harry smiled lightly. "You guys really think so?"
"Yeah!" Ginny nodded, hopping a little. "You're the best Harry!"
"Heh, guess I have no choice then." Harry said, running his hand through his hair. "All right then, I'll do it."
"Alright!" They all, save Malfoy, chorused.
"Group one!" Lupin shouted above the noise. "Leader and name?"
Cho stepped forward. "I am the leader… And we're called "The Angels". " Her all girl group cheered as Professor Lupin wrote it down.
"Group two?"
A boy with long black hair stepped forward. He was dressed in a black Hogwarts robe, but it was tainted crimson. He also had on a green and black tie, showing he was a Slythern. " I, Vincent, am the leader, and we are the 'Dragon's Fang'. "
"Group three?"
A girl by the name of Ashley stepped up. "Ashley. We are the Blitz Team."
"Group four?"
Dean gave a whoop. " We're the N.W.O. Baby!" Several rounds of 'Sweeeeeeet!' rang through the group. Hermione and Harry snickered at them.
"Group five?" Lupin asked with a smile.
"Hanabishi Recca." A boy stated in a calm voice. "We are the Hokage."
Lupin nodded and then turned to Harry. "And Group six?"
Harry stepped forward. "I am the captain of this team."
A nod. "Have you chosen your name?"
Harry set his jaw. " We have." His group looked at him expectantly.
"And it is?"
"We are the Marauders."
~**~
Ginny watched as Harry and Hermione came in through the portrait. She sucked on a sugar quill while watching Hermione laugh at a joke told by Harry. She didn't feel jealous, she noticed. It had happened slowly, but the crush on the Boy-Who-Lived slowly died down over the years. Although she was still attracted to him, she found that that, too, was dying off . In fact, she was assuming she was over it all-together. The thought made her smile and bite her quill off to get more flavour. She eyed the pair as Harry grabbed Hermione and slung her over his shoulder and carried her up the stairs to their room. A grin played across Ginny's face. They were cute together.
~**~
"Har-ryyyyy!" Hermione whined, hitting his back. "Put me downnnn!"
"Say please?" Harry smirked, twirling a little and getting a shriek.
"Please!"
"Okay." He dropped her on her bed, where she landed with a light 'oof'.
"You're mean." She accused, looking up at him.
"Nah." He sat next to her and sank into the bed. She usually kept it so soft it literally almost molded to his body. "You're just fun to tease."
Hermione laughed and poked his knee. Harry had taken to sitting Indian style, while she still lay on her back, facing him. "I think you just like carrying me." She accused with a smile.
"You're as light as a feather." He replied, poking her stomach and getting a laugh.
"Don't get any ideas." Hermione's eyes twinkled at him. She sat up and grabbed his hand when he tried for another poke. "I'm too sleepy tonight." She patted his hand and slid off of her bed. Harry watched as she opened her trunk and rooted through it. "Harry, can I borrow another shirt?"
He groaned. "Hermione, you have like six of them already."
"Yeah, but I love your dress shirts. They make for the perfect night gown."
"Sure, sure." He kicked off of her bed and walked over to his trunk, pulling one out. "That's seven now. One for each night." A quick toss made his roommate happy. He watched her change into it with a small smile and a shake of his head. She really was too much to take sometimes.
When Hermione got the top buttons done, she turned back around to face her friend while talking. "If you ever want to wear my night cloths, just ask." She teased, buttoning them as she went.
"I don't think pink panties and a tank top would work for me." Harry said while sticking out his tongue.
Hermione laughed and left the bottom three buttons undone. She walked over to him and gave the boy a hug. "Thanks Harry." She grinned.
"Yeah, yeah, as long as your happy." He waved it off.
Hermione crossed her arms over her chest. "Well you do get to see me prance around in my under-things. I think it's an even trade."
Harry inadvertently found his eyes trailing to just a little below her waist, where her flaming pink panties were still clearly visible. Shaking his head, he cleared the thoughts from his mind. "I think it drives me crazy more than makes it even," He replied with his eyes closed.
She smirked and walked up to him, touching his chest with the tip of her finger and running it up and down. "Aww, is Hare-bear a little upset?" She cooed in a mocking yet seductive voice. "Want Hermione to make it all better?" She pulled off his shirt quickly.
"H-Hermione!"
Ignoring him, she pushed him on top of his bed and crawled on top of him, letting him see a little down her shirt. Very slowly, she slid her body against his and straddled his waist, placing her hands on his chest. "Still think it's not an even trade?" She purred to him in a husky voice.
"I…. I…" He paused when he saw her face twitch. Looking closer, he realized that she snorted back a laugh. "Hermione!"
The girl couldn't take it anymore. She broke out laughing and rolled off of him. "Should have seen your face!" She called out in between gasp for air. "Priceless! Hahaha!"
Harry growled and tackled her, pinning the girl under him. A glare only made her laugh harder. "So I can play too?" He asked, undoing one of her buttons.
Hermione stopped laughing and took to a blush. "Harry, I'm sorry, it's just that.." Another button came undone. "H-harry!" The boy started laughing now. Realizing that he was getting revenge on her made Hermione a little mad. "You little!" Quickly thinking, she took advantage of him being shirtless and started to tickle him.
This continued for another four minutes before Harry fell back onto his bed. Hermione was laying on top of him now, shirt being mostly undone. Breathing heavily from all the laughing, Hermione propped herself up on her hands on either side of him. "You're too much fun." She teased him with a smile.
"As are you." He replied, grinning.
Suddenly the door opened up and Dean, Seamus, and Neville burst in. "Will you two please keep-" the group suddenly spied them. "It," Seamus's voice was failing him. "down?" He finished lamely.
Harry looked up at the half naked Hermione on top of him, added in the factor of him being half-naked as well. Multiplying the fact that both were breathing hard and divided the product of this by only one bed being occupied of two, he came to only one conclusion: "This… doesn't look good does it?"
~**~
Lupin looked into the fireplace, watching the red and orange flames dance around. He let his mind wonder about the past events. Dumbledor had requested that he re-join the staff and work with him in the fight against Voldemort. He wasn't sure what his job would be at the current moment, however. Sirius would arrive soon to talk to him.
"Ah, hello Moony." A voice sprang up from the fire.
Lupin turned his attention to the face in the fire and grinned. "Padfoot, it's been a while."
"Yes, at least a month and a half. I get worried when we can't keep in touch."
The man in the chair sighed. "Yes. We need a way to communicate our plans more."
Suddenly Sirius grinned. "Hey, Moony? Remember the book of thoughts?"
"Yeah! We could duplicate it or something! Do you still have it?"
"Harry does…"
"I can request it tomorrow." He nodded.
"Moony, By the way…"
"Harry is fine, Padfoot." He said, getting a smile from his old friend. "He's changed a lot since I last saw him. New haircut, no glasses, grown at least a foot! Did you recommend working out? He has muscle now."
"Harry has written a few times," Sirius nodded in thought. "He sent me a picture of him and Hermione in a recent letter. He has a rather interesting necklace as well, doesn't he?"
"I didn't get a chance to observe him too much in class, because no one is supposed to know of a connection between us all… Oh! Padfoot, you'll be so proud of Harry!"
"What did he do this time?" Sirius smirked. "He has gotten in more trouble than all of us combined, that one has!"
"His team name." Lupin told him with a quarky smile. "He named his team 'The Marauders'. "
"Did he now?" Sirius was looking rather pleased with himself. "Following in the footsteps of his father, he is."
"Of his Godfather, actually. He seems to love the colour black now."
"That's my boy." Suddenly Sirius turned serious. "Moony, we need to talk Seriously now. Try and get the book from Harry tomorrow. I also have your mission. I'm in a muggle house at the current moment so I can't talk long." He grinned.
Lupin laughed. Leave it to Padfoot to say that after chatting about nothing for five minutes.
~**~
Hermione rolled over in her bed lazily the next morning. Hugging her pillow close to her chest, she let out a content sigh as she woke up. Her vision was fuzzy at first, but a few blinks quickly cleared it. Sitting up, she let out a long yawn and stretched out, letting her shirt rise and show her stomach. Turning, she let her feet off the side of her bed and reached forward to pull the curtains aside. A cold rush greeted her a good morning. She shivered, hugging her arms.
Sliding out of bed and into her slippers, she walked to her nightstand and picked up her wand. A small charm was cast and the normally cool room became warm. She had just taken down her coolness charm and replaced it with a light morning warming one. Hard to believe it was already the beginning of November. Turning on the Wizard Wireless Network, she checked the local weather forecast. She listened to a few songs while picking out her cloths for the day and arranging her trunk so her long sleeved shirts and warmer clothing were on top.
Deciding on what to wear, she held it up in front of the mirror. A long sleeved tight red shirt with blue jeans. She would tuck her shirt in and wear a belt for a style rather than actually needing it. In fact, these were her favourite pair of jeans. They were cut low and very tight. It was a shame her school issued robes would cover it. She was sure she would look rather nice like that. With a smile she made a decision.
Hermione lit a few candles with the wave of her wand. The sun wasn't quite up just yet. She had grown accustomed to waking up early, and had begun using the time to take a nice long bath. She usually took a book with her to read and sat on the steps while soaking. A few times she met Harry in the bathroom as well. He had let her borrow his book on Dragons the day after he found her asleep on his bed reading it. Turns out she was worrying over nothing the entire time. He hadn't thought twice about it.
She smiled at the memory of him walking in on her in the bath for the second time. She had lost track of time and had staying in five minutes past her time while reading. When Harry showed up, he had stripped and hopped in without a second thought. At her screech of surprise, he only grinned and commented about her being a 'book worm' and took to swimming the bath. At the time she had laughed and went back to reading (being at a particularly interesting part about mindspeak between human and dragon). Although they had never seen each other naked before, each was getting more and more accustomed to being so close to the other.
In fact, just the other day Harry had found a bra of Hermione's lying out. He teased her about it and swung it over his head while keeping it out of her blushing reach. That was also the first time Harry found out her size. Hermione laughed at the memory. She was a 36A, and he teased her for days on end after finding out.
With a small chuckle, Hermione scribbled down a note for Harry telling him to dress warmly since a cold front had came in and the temperature would be dreadfully low today. Cloths in hand, she made her way out of her room and into the common room. She lit a real fire with her wand as she passed it to knock off the early morning chill for everyone else. Through the door and down the hall she went.
Upon reaching the prefect's bathroom, she paused for a moment to tell the password and gain entrance. She checked the names just in case someone else might of wanted an early bath, but found that she (once again) had it all to herself. She sat down her cloths and unbuttoned the nightshirt she wore, also known as Harry's dress shirt. She folded it neatly and placed it in the hamper labeled dirty, followed by her panties.
Picking up a towel, she made her way to the giant bathtub and turned on the sixth, thirteenth, and fifthteenth faucets, getting her favourite smell. The perfumed water was filling up the tub quickly; adding pink and purple bubbles as it went. When the water was at a suitable level, she cut them off with a wave of her wand. Sliding into the water, she started to swim a little before sighing contently and ducking under water.
~**~
Harry sat up in his bed grudgingly. He sat for a few moments, trying to wake himself up completely. This was helped by a large stretch and a pulling back of his curtains. Sunlight was drifting in, lighting up the room. He noticed a few candles were lit and smiled to himself sleepily. Hermione was still a mystery to him. He still had no idea how she could wake up so early.
"Morning, Sunshine."
He yawned again before replying to her. 'Hey-ya, Cecilia.'
"Sleep well?"
Harry picked up the note on his trunk and read it.
Hare-bear,
Dress warm today, hon. It's supposed to be cold because of a cold front moving in.
Hermione.
'Yeah, I slept all right.' Harry though, putting the note in his trunk and rooting for warm cloths. Deciding on a green sweater and his casual black jeans, he tossed his cloths on the bed and rooted around for some socks. After finding all of his cloths for the day, he picked up a book he had forgotten about. 'You sleep good, Cecilia?'
"Yes, I suppose. It's more like hibernating than sleeping, however."
"Yeah, I think you told me that once." He sat on his bed and placed his cloths beside him.
"What is that?"
"It's a book my Godfather sent me." Harry spoke aloud, opening it to the first page and reading it again. "I think I'll try it out."
"What does it do?"
"Lets me read thoughts." He snagged a quill and wrote Hermione's name on the top of the page. "And don't say anything about how it's 'rude' to intrude, 'cause you read my thoughts all the time." He felt Cecilia laugh a little. Words appeared on the page, in Hermione's neat handwriting. "Let's see what Hermione thinks about while in the bathtub, shall we?"
Oh Yes…oh, oh, right there… Yes… Oh sweet Merlin, yes! Mmmm….This feels so good…oooohhhh….
Harry slammed the book closed with a sharp blush shooting over his face. "Should I say something about this?" A voice asked him in his head. "Harry? Harry? Oh my god, we lost him…"
~**~
Hermione sighed and rinsed the shampoo from her hair and looked at the bottle of Herbal Essence. "And I never did believe those dumb commercials either!" She grinned and replaced the cap on it. "Now to dry it."
~**~
Hermione grinned, moving her wand over her hair once again. She had been doing this for almost an hour now and was almost done. Curiously, she looked over he shoulder to her clock on her nightstand. Seven ten. Harry had given her an odd look when she first came into the room. True, he never saw her come in with a towel in her hair either, but that was because she almost always started fixing her hair while he was in the tub. The look was still disturbing, though. His eyes were glazed and he had a look like he was really… enjoying something.
Shrugging, she looked back at the mirror. Harry would freak when he saw her. With a final stroke, she declared herself finished. With a careful shake of her head, she let her hair fall behind her, going well to the middle of her back. It was amazing how much longer it was when it was straight.
She couldn't keep the smile from her face. It had taken her a long time, and she would miss most of breakfast, but it would be worth it. With a grin, she applied a faint hint of muggle make up. A little eye shadow and a small touch of lipstick graced her face. She never really used make up but for some reason she had awoken wanting to look pretty today.
She smiled at her reflection. Pulling on her robes, she walked to the door and felt her straight hair fly out gracefully behind her. She would knock him dead today and tease him non-stop until he got a nosebleed from blushing too much. The idea made her smile and blush lightly.
Today she would up the anti in their little flirting game.
~~**~~
A/N: hope you enjoyed it. Next part will be posted the usual time on Monday afternoon. On a new note, me and my friend Michael have set up an online Anime store. We sell VCDs (Video CDs can be played on almost all DVD players and all computers.) of popular new anime. King Bandit Jing, Chobits, Onegai Teacher, Bluer than indigo, Inuyasha, Dragonball GT and Fushigi Yuugi is just a sample of our collection! If you want a series and we don't have it, we'll get it for you! Requesting Anime will take 3-4 days to confirm if we can get it. Japanese Audio with English subtitles. Please email Satashi@scifianime.com for questions or to place an order. Usually runs $15.00-$20.00 a series. Prices on longer series prices upon request. VHS Anime upon request as well. Mention this ad for a 10% discount!
Also, here's a little omake for you to celebrate the grand opening of S&M Anime! (Satashi and Miguel Anime)
~**~
The camera focuses on some rather nice looking New Balance shoes. It slowly moves up to reveal the wearer to also have on New Balance brand wind pants on. Going farther up, it shows a nice New Balance shirt and wind suit top with the "N" symbol on the chest of it
"Hello, everyone." Harry greets, taking off his Rayband sunglasses. "We have heard that some people think we have sold out advertising space in our current acting job in this fanfic. Well, let me assure you, this is just not true!"
~~~~~
"Nope." He made another sweep across his skin, making Ginny wince at how casual he was about it. "It's a Muggle Razor. Mach 3 Turbo, it doesn't matter if you shave up or down. I got Sirius to buy them for me."
~~~~~
Just then Ron came into the room. "Yo, Harry, Pizza's here!" Ron sat down the box and took out a slice, biting into it and making an "mmm" sound. "You know, I sure am glad Dominos delivers!" He left the box open so the name could be seen. "And that heat wave bag they use? Man, my pizza is always nice and hot!"
"Yeah!" Harry agreed, getting up to get a slice. "Would you like a drink, Ron? We have Dr Pepper here!" He took out two cans. "Nothing beats a nice cold Dr Pepper with pizza!" Sudden he gasped. "We don't have chips!"
~~~~~
Harry and Ron walked down the hall in full casual attire. Harry sported jeans and a black shirt and black timberland shoes.
~~~~~
"I have chips." Hermione said, holding up a can of Pringles. "And they're not greasy and crunched up like other chips, either!" Harry nodded in approval, but rubbed his head. "Something wrong, Harry?" she placed her hands on her hips. "Do you have another headache?"
"Yeah." Harry said after a moment. "That's when I usually turn to B.C. powder. It gets rid of my worst headaches in just minuets!"
Ron nodded. "Yeah, the other leading headache medicines take up to twenty minuets sometimes!"
~~~~~
"Honestly, Harry." She teased him as they walked together to the picture of the fat lady. "You're such a girl."
"They're for Hermione!"
"Surrrrrre"
"Honestly!"
"Smirnoff Ice." Rose told the picture, making it open. "I won't tell anyone." She winked before walking into the room.
~~~~~
"It's too bad You-know-who doesn't get headaches like Harry does." Hermione sighed.
"Yeah, but Voldemort has other things on his mind… like killing and torturing." Harry spat. " With him on the lose, I'm glad that I have Met Life insurance."
"But don't they ask all sorts of questions?" Ron asked.
"It's simple." Harry replied to his friend. "I called them by their toll free number and answered three questions. I was approved in under twenty minutes."
~~~~~
Hermione sighed and rinsed the shampoo from her hair and looked at the bottle of Herbal Essence. "And I never did believe those dumb commercials either!" She grinned and replaced the cap on it. "Now to dry it."
~~~~~
"Wow, that is simple!" Hermione agreed. "I love simple things. That's why when I need to make a long distance call, and can't get to an owl, I dial 1-800-COLLECT. It's free for me and cheap for them!"
Harry grinned. "Save them at least a buck or two!"
"But I don't like committing to a company like that." Ron protested.
"That's the great thing about it!" Hermione squeaked. " There are no obligations. Just dial the 800 number, then one, and then who you're calling!"
"Sounds like a great plan." Harry said nodding. "I'll use it next time I have to get in touch wit Sirius. I hear he has a new cell phone."
Just then Dean walked into the room, chatting on his phone. "Can you hear me now? … Good!"
~**~
Legal stuff: I own none of the above, and I was not paid to say anything…yeah, not paid… not paid at all….hehe…suckers…