All of Me by Muddgutts

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance, Action & Adventure
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 01/12/2003
Last Updated: 24/12/2003
Status: Completed

When Hermione's Herbology Newt turns into a near fatality, she see's what life would be
like without him. Can she live without the other half of her heart? **Final Chapter UP** Please
review thanks everyone. --- FIC ADMINS NOTE: Fanart and fanfic challenge here:
http://talk.portkey.org/index.php?showtopic=4310




1. Herbology NEWT
-----------------

**All of Me** by Muddgutts

Herbology Newt Final Exam 7th year

Harry carefully lifted the spore pod of the Bidens Pilosa plant from the terracotta pot into the
waiting glass domed seedbed. The pod pulsed slightly turning redder as its quills throbbed. Ever so
gently he placed it in to the shallow hole and set aside his tongs. Letting out the breath he was
holding he placed the glass dome over the plant and stepped back waiting for Professor Sprout to
inspect his work.

He carefully scanned the class over, settling on Ron three tables over and watched him extract
his spore pod. His ears were turning a brilliant shade of red to match his hair. He was sure that
Ron knew, just as he did, that if the Bidens Pilosa pod was disturbed during any point of the
extraction it would release its seed spores. This wouldn’t be so bad if the plant didn’t have such
a nasty defense mechanisms. It would explode if disturbed and shower the area with deadly spores
that borrowed into the ground, or anything else for that matter, like termites. Ron gave him a
hearty thumbs up and smiled, but his expression changed to a look of concern as he gazed past
Harry.

Harry removed his dragon hide gloves and pretended quickly to be cleaning his glasses as he
turned to investigate what caught Ron’s eye. It was Hermione; she looked very tired and was
starting to lose her focus on the task at hand. Harry knew this was due to Hermione’s late night
study habits this year. She was pushing herself well beyond her limits this year. Almost every day
of the week she would be up till 2 in the morning studying for NEWTs.

Her head was bobbing to the side as her eyes where starting to flutter closed. Then she shook
herself out of it and reached for the tongs. Harry threw Ron a worried look as Ron was staring
intently at her. His hands where gripping the side of the table so hard that he was shaking. Harry
turned completely around and was watching Hermione’s dreamy movements as she pulled the pod from
the soil. The spores where throbbing at a very menacing speed now. Her grip on the pod was starting
to loosen and the plant slipped from her grasp.

*

Three very loud sounds filled the Green House #4 very rapidly.

*Crack…Crack,* **BOOM!** Which was followed by a long low hissing sound. Hermione could
feel herself being crushed by a pair of strong arms. She opened her eyes to see Harry holding her.
She let loose with a blood-curdling scream as she met his eyes. His whole body was twitching
violently and his eyes started rolling back into his head, then he dropped to the floor. Harry was
convulsing as he rolled on to his stomach to reveal the horror that was his back. Hundreds of spore
seeds were borrowing into his body. Ripping threw his cloak into his skin and spreading their tiny
hair like roots under the flesh. She dropped to her knees next to him screaming while holding his
hand.

Everything after that moment happened with a dream-like fog in her mind. Ron and Neville where
the first to her side. Ron pulled her to her feet shaking her and screamed something at her, then
pushed her off to the side of the classroom to Lavender Brown. Neville and Prof. Sprout held Harry
down and started spreading dioxide all over his body.

Before she passed out she heard Lavender saying, “It’s going to be all right Hermione just
relax.” Although, the look on her face was anything but relaxing.

Hermione awoke some time later in her own bed not knowing how she’d gotten there. As she sat
upright looking around taking in the room two things came to mind. ‘Why am I in my room and not the
hospital wing?’ and ‘Why is Pavarti in my room?’ Being the Head girl meant that no one could just
walk into your room, they had to be let in by herself or her head of house.

Pavarti look very relieved to see her awake and placed a reassuring hand on her leg, “How are
you feeling Hermione?”

“Ok I guess. Why am I in bed? How did you get in here?” Hermione questioned.

The look of concern on Pavarti’s face seemed to trigger her memories back into place. All at
once the events of the greenhouse flashed back into her mind. *‘Oh my god. . . what have I done .
. . Harry!’*

In one swift motion she swung her legs off the bed and grabbed her cloak. Pavarti didn’t seem to
know what to do and ran to block the doorway. Hermione just cocked her head to the side and
withdrew her wand.

“You’re not supposed to go to the Hospital wing just yet! Madam Pomfrey said I couldn’t let you
go.” Pavarti said firmly.

“Are you mad? What makes you think that you could stop me if you tried?” Pavarti eyed the wand
in her hand then back at Hermione. “Now get out of the way or I’ll turn you into a newt!”

“You wouldn’t dare, I’m not afr…”

She was unceremoniously cut off as Hermione did just that. She reached down and picked up the
now Newt-Pavarti and placed her on her shoulder, “Come on then we’re going to see Harry.”

Newt-Pavarti just flicked her tongue at her in defiance. Hermione tore through the halls at top
speed, pushing anyone out of the way. As she came skidding to a stop in front of the double doors,
she straightened her robes and took a calming breath. Stepping inside the hospital wing, it didn’t
take long to find Harry, or where he should be at least. The whole Gryffindor Quidditch team was
presently standing vigil at his bedside. They were talking and making jokes half-heartedly. Then,
all at once they stopped and turned to see who’d just come in. Their icy glares were anything but
welcoming. Her face turned to stone and marched straight over to them.

Ron was the first to break the silence his tone was cold, like the way he talked to Malfoy.
“Hermione I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be here right now. So please leave.”

His words hit her like a hammer and she staggered for a moment, then pushed past Neville, Dean,
and Seamus towards the bed, “Harry? . . . Are you going to be . . .!?”

She clapped her hand over her mouth at the sight of him. Harry was face down on the bed. His
back was bare except for about fifty small glass jars that covered what she guessed where the
spores that were eating away at his flesh. That wasn’t the bad part though. Inside of each glass
jar was a small black slug like creature. The creatures slowly slid across his skin and chewed away
at the burned flesh and the plant spore embedded in him. It was horrible to watch, and she couldn’t
imagine what it must feel like.

“Oh…Harry!” was all she could manage. He stirred a little at the sound of her voice trying to
turn his head. The act of movement alone was enough to bring tears to her eyes. His head struggled
to flop in the other direction opposite her.

“I told you not to let her in here!” he yelled.

“Harry . . . I, I just wanted to see if-”

“I don’t want you to see me like this! Get out! Go away!”

Ginny came up behind her and hooked her arm pulling her away.

“Harry I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for this to happen. . . . I’m sorry . . .”

“Ron get her out of here . . . all of you just get out! Leave me alone!”

All the yelling had caught Madame Pomfrey’s attention, and she quickly pushed the group toward
the door, telling them that no one is to come back and visit until further notice.



2. Gryffindor Tower
-------------------

Outside the large double wooden doors Hermione leaned back against the wall and couldn’t stop
herself from crying. The gentle streams of tears turned quickly to full out bawling as she slid
down the wall and curled into a ball. Ginny and Lavender came over and tried to calm her. Lavender
brushed the hair from her face, drying her cheeks off. Ginny patted her hand and said, “I think
it’s time we had a little talk Hermione.”

She didn’t protest as Ron pulled her to her feet and escorted her down the hallway. The entire
way to Gryffindor tower, Dean and Neville broke a path threw all of the gawking students. The
common room wasn’t that busy when they arrived but Ron felt it necessary to clear everyone out just
the same.

“All right you lot, get lost. Head girl coming in with emotional problems so sod off!” They
started to file out slowly as Hermione was placed in her favorite armchair by the fireplace. When
everyone was gone Ron had a few quiet words with Dean, Neville, and Seamus. Who left soon after and
then it was just Ron, Ginny, and Lavender left with Hermione. She was in a daze watching the fire.
Harry’s words echoed through her head.

*‘How could he not want to see me? It was a mistake. I never meant for it to happen.’*

Ginny came over and sat on the rug in front of her, “Hermione do you know what happened in the
green house today?”

“Umm well I was transplanting the spore pod then the next thing I remember was Harry . . . and
his eyes . . . he . . . looked like he was in so much pain . . .”she shielded her face from them as
the tears started to well again.

“Hermione you where falling asleep, and Harry shielded you from the spore pod as it
exploded.”

“I was falling asleep?”

“Yes ever since you got that bloody award last year for the receiving the most O.W.L.S. in a
century, you’ve been obsessed with getting highest N.E.W.T.s possible.”

“What? I have not I always study this hard. This is no different than before!”

“Right! You’re up all hours of the night; you hardly ever come down to the Great Hall for meals
anymore. Plus, half the first years think you work at the library because you’re always in there.
Then, to top it off, now that Voldemort's gone you hardly ever talk to Harry and Ron anymore.
Why Hermione? Is some award more important than us?”

“No of course not, and that’s not true. I see Harry every day and Ron too. Besides this has
nothing to do with what happened today.”

Ron couldn’t seem to hold his tongue anymore, “Really? Is that what you think?”

“Yes it is Ron. And what’s your problem? You’ve been cold as ice the last few weeks.”

“My problem? My problem is you! And Harry too! This is driving me crazy! What more does he have
to do for you to see him?”

“See him? What are you talking about?"

He slammed his fist into the table then grabbed a pile of spell books someone had left behind,
“This is all you care about! Books and notes, and people that died hundreds of years ago!” He threw
them to the other side of the room. “What about us? What about him? How many times does he have to
end up in the hospital wing before you see that he LOVES you!”

“What? Ron what are you saying?” Hermione’s voice was barely a whisper.

Ginny held up her hand to stop Ron’s rant and said, “Hermione did he ever tell you how he got
lured out of Hogwarts to finally defeat Voldemort?”

Hermione looked confused, “Hogwarts? He said he was at headquarters when it happened?”

“No he was here. Voldemort was flooding his mind with images of a house and he was torturing two
people with the Cruciatus curse . . . it was your parents Hermione.”

A cold chill had run up and down her spine. She had left her parents alone over the holidays to
go see Viktor. She wanted to tell him personally that their relationship was over. When she got
back to London, her parents looked as normal as ever. Then the news broke that Harry had defeated
Voldemort on New Years Day.

Ron looked a little calmer now and looked over and sat of the arm of her chair, “Hermione he
didn’t know you weren’t there. From what he told me about it, Voldemort had been trying all year to
lure Harry away from Hogwarts to get him. The one image he couldn’t seem to stop was of you being
hurt. For hours he paced the floor trying to block it out, but his Occlumency training isn’t as
strong as Voldemort’s. When he saw your mother being Cursed he apparated to your house and saved
your Mum and Dad.”

“Apparated? But you can’t apparate inside Hogwarts grounds.”

“Well he did, and he did it again today when he saw you about to drop the spore pod.”

“My parents? . . . but. . . they seemed fine. I . . . I never should’ve gone away.” She pulled
her knees up and buried her face in them.

Lavender came over and stroked her hair back, “They’re fine now. Dumbledore did a memory charm
on them and they’ll never know what happened now. Its better that way.”

Lavender stopped petting her head and pulled a small green newt that was tangled in her hair
free. “What’s this Hermione?”

She slowly raised her head to see what Lavender was talking about. “Merlin! I forgot about
Pavarti!” She waved her wand and reversed the spell quickly.

Pavarti grew back to full height and looked very pissed off. “Damn it Hermione I didn’t think
you were serious!”

Before she could continue, Hermione jumped up, grabbed her into a bone-crushing hug and started
to sob deeply, “I’m sorry . . . sorry. I’ve been a fool.”

The look on Pavarti’s face quickly changed from anger to pity, “He really does love you. Can’t
you see it? He’s always following you around now. Carrying your books back from the library, or
bringing you tea late at night when you’re studying, and he even told me that Snape gave him
detention once for *‘being too obvious’* if you can believe that.”

Hermione was lost in a sea of images and thoughts of all the little things that Harry had been
doing this year. But it wasn’t just this year it was last year as well. “How long has this been
going on Ron?”

He was petting Crookshanks, who was now sitting on the chair too. “The summer before sixth year
I think, but he never said anything to me back then. I just kind of knew though. Whatever he saw in
the Department of Mysteries must’ve really stirred him. After that he’s always been keeping tabs on
you.”

A long silence hung in the common room as Hermione replayed the events of that dreadful night in
her head. Lavender, Pavarti, and Ron left her alone saying something about dinner and were gone.
Ginny slowly placed her hand on Hermione’s shoulder and turned her around.

“He doesn’t know what to do Hermione. He’s never been in love before or been loved for that
matter. He’s never had anything but pain, death, and the hopes of the world riding on his actions.
You’re the thing that got him through it all. You’re his friend when he had none, and never left
his side. You’re leaving Hogwarts in one week and I think it scared the life out of him. I can see
it in his eyes when he looks at you. You’re going away to University and out of his life. I don’t
think he really thought what would happen if he actually defeated Voldemort. Maybe he had always
thought he wouldn’t live to have to see you leave him.”

“I never thought he would ever feel this way about me. I mean, he could have any woman in the
world. I’m just plain old Hermione the bookworm.”

“Hah, I think your mistaking Harry for Ron here. Harry doesn’t care about any of that surface
polish. It’s always been about what’s inside that counts, and you two know each other so well, it’s
plain to see. I know this must be scary to have the heir of Godric Gryffindor, and one of the
richest wizards in the U.K. pining for you, but come on, it’s just Harry really.” Ginny finished
with a small smile and playfully pushed Hermione.

She laughed, “Do you really think he . . . he loves me?”

A mischievous smile grew on her face, “Why don’t you go ask him if you’re not sure.”



3. Hospital Wing
----------------

*10:30pm Hospital wing*

Sneaking into the hospital wing of Hogwarts wasn’t very hard for Hermione with an invisibility
cloak. The hard part was going to be waking Harry up with out causing him to freak out. As she
crept through the wing to his bed she was relieved that he looked much better now. All those little
glass jars with the slug-like creatures where gone, and he was lying on his side now. Although he
did have a very large bandage wrapped around his chest and back, he didn’t appear to be in any
pain. Standing next to his bed she could hear his steady breathing and see the look of peace on his
face. After closing the curtains she removed the cloak and kneeled down in front of him. Gently she
started to run her fingers through his hair, and with her lips only millimeters from his ear she
spoke, “Harry . . . Harry . . . wake up Harry.”

Slowly his eyes opened, “Her... mione? What are y. . .” His voice was low and very scratchy.

“Shh, . . . Don’t talk.” She placed a finger on his lips. She retrieved a glass of water from
the nightstand and placed the straw in his mouth, “Drink you’ll feel better.” After draining half
the glass she returned the glass to its stand.

“I’m sorry Hermione. . . I shouldn’t have yelled at you. It wasn’t your. . .”

“Shh, . . . No talking.” Hermione rose up and gently placed a kiss on his forehead, and brushed
his hair out of his eyes. “It’s my turn to talk now.” For a few minutes she just couldn’t pull her
eyes away from his. They were filled with so much compassion.

“I want to thank you Harry, not just for today but for everything. When I first met you and Ron
all I had were my books. You though. . .you had such spirit inside of you that it had awakened the
person inside of me. You showed me that I could be courageous, strong, and honorable - a true
Gryffindor. I’m a better person because of you. The words ‘thank you’ don’t seem to say what is
truly in my heart.”

Harry’s eyes started to mist over as he watched the woman he loved saying the words that he
wanted to say to her. He couldn’t count the times he wanted to tell her all the feelings he had
inside of him, only to push them back down again for the fear that those very words could be the
ones to drive her way.

“How can I ever repay you for what you’ve done for me. . .and for my parents too?”

Her last comment didn’t seem to faze him in the least, “Ron?”

“Yeah.”

“You’ve already repaid me a thousand times.” He slowly raised his hand to her confused face,
“With every smile you give me, with every laugh I hear. It's heaven to me Hermione. Just to
know that your safe is all that matters to me. I have to know that this cursed life of mine has
meant something. Your happiness is what drives me. It’s the only thing I care about anymore.”

Hermione inched closer, “There must be something. . . else that you. . .want?” They where so
close now that their noses touched.

“I would. . . do anything, . . .give. . .you everything, . . all . . .of. . .me.”

His eyes where the deepest shade of green she’d ever seen before and she knew he was searching
not just her mind but also her very soul. In there he would see what she’d known for years; she
would give him everything if he would just ask. Finally his gaze returned to the surface, and a
small smile played at the corner of his lips. There was nothing left to say. He moved in slowly to
seize her lips and she closed her eyes in complete surrender. His breath was hot on her skin, and
then they met for the first time. His touch was soft and gentle as they explored each other. She
wanted to keep going to reach deep inside and never let go, but she knew she didn't have to.
For this wasn’t just a kiss, but an exchange of a promise. A promise of a life beyond the walls of
this castle that they could build a life of there own, a future.

It ended only to soon as the sound of Madam Pomfrey’s office door opening. Her eyes flew open to
Harry’s, whose were filled with panic, “You have to go! Hurry if she catches you, you’ll be
banned!”

At lightning speed she retrieved the invisibility cloak and threw it over her head. Just as she
turned to leave a hand grabbed her wrist.

“Hermione. . . wait!” his expression was so desperate.

She quickly pulled the cloak open around her face and stole a kiss, “I’ll be back in the
morning.”

They’d just broken apart as the curtains flew open. Madam Pomfrey looked very tired and held
aloft a potion in each hand.

“Good evening Mr. Potter. Good to see you remembered about your evening treatments.”

Harry glanced around quickly and spotted Hermione across the hall. Only her face was visible and
she blew him a kiss and vanished from sight, “Er. . .yes the treatment of course.”

“Are you feeling alright? You look really flushed?”



4. 220 Points!
--------------

Hermione flipped threw the Daily Prophet as always and Ron was just finishing off his second
helping of eggs as Luna walked up to the table, “Mind if I sit, Ron?”

“Of course not, Luna, grab some wood,” Ron said with a playful smile.

Hermione looked over the top of her paper and gave Ron a look. Ron just flashed a mouth full of
chewed eggs and laughed.

“Disgusting Ron, grow up.”

He just shrugged his shoulders and turned to Luna, “So Luna, how are you today? What’s the good
word?”

She pushed her glasses back and straightened her shoulders before speaking, “Well the word is
that Slytherin will take the Cup now with little trouble at all, seeing as Harry’s laid up in the
Hospital wing.”

Ron sent Hermione a quick glance and replayed, “Well, I’m sure he’ll be fine for the game
tomorrow. Besides, we could always use Ginny as Seeker if we have too.”

“Well from what I heard, Gryffindor is down by 220 points. So your going to have your work cut
out for you.”

“220! You mean to tell me Slytherin beat Hufflepuff by 90 points last match! Merlin, what was
Randle doing? Having tea with the Queen or something? Because it doesn’t sound like he was watching
the goal posts!”

“Well he did get ‘Stooged’ by two Slytherin chasers and was out of the game until the seeker
caught the snitch. By that time they had scored 60 points.”

“They did!? I’m not surprised that Draco would pull that just to increase their lead on us.”

Hermione looked on in curiosity, “What’s ‘Stooging?’”

“‘Stooging’ is when two Chasers enter into the scoring area at the same time. One scores as the
other beats up the Keeper. It’s a serious penalty now. I think they lose 20 points and the offended
team gets a penalty shot,” Ron replied effortlessly. Hermione was amazed at this.

“Now, why can’t you remember your history of magic like that?”

“Because I don’t care about the history of magic Hermione. Oh, don’t give me that look. Come on,
we have to go see Harry and get him out of that bed.”

They quickly gathered their things and set off to the Hospital wing. Outside the Great Hall they
noticed something out of the norm. Professor Dumbledore was standing outside the main entrance
talking with a small group of wizards. Some were carrying backpacks, and had many packages off to
the side. Three of the older wizards wore deep crimson robes, and were handing Dumbledore a few
official looking scrolls.

“What’s all this about?” Hermione questioned but didn’t stop walking.

“Beats me, come on we only have about 15 minutes until our History of Magic N.E.W.T.”

Inside the hospital wing, they were happy to see Harry sitting up in his bed flipping through a
large black tome. Dobby was also there holding a leather bound journal taking notes as Harry spoke.
Ron cleared the room in a flash and was at is side.

“Hey, Harry. You look much better today.”

“Mornin' Ron. Yeah, I’m doing better today, but still not 100% yet.” Harry said to him, but
he wasn’t even looking at him. His attention was totally locked on Hermione, and for a moment they
locked eyes and stared at one another. Ron’s coughing brought them back to the moment.

Hermione fidgeted with her robes for a second, “Hi.”

“Hi, . . .um I mean ah, good morning,” Harry stammered for a minute.

Hermione closed in and delicately ran her fingers over the collar of his night shirt flattening
it, “You look. . .better. . .today.”

Harry took her hand in his and started to gently message palm of her hand with his thumb, “Yeah
. . . so do you.”

The steady rhythmic movement of his fingers and the intensity in his eyes was intoxicating.
Before she even realized what she was doing she grabbed the back of his hair and locked lips with
him in a deep forceful kiss. He responded with equal force thrusting his tongue beyond her lips,
and then she felt his fingers sliding along the top of her skirt, back and forth. With every pass
the tips of his fingers inched just under the top making contact with her flesh.

“Bloody Hell! You two want to cool it? I’m right here you know!”

Harry let out a low groan and released her. She still couldn’t break her eyes away from his as
she pulled away licking her lips.

“Sorry, . . .” they said at the same time.

“Well, I guess that answers my first question about how last night’s visit went,” Ron said
watching the two of them with a bit of amusement. Harry blushed deeply and finally broke eye
contact with Hermione. “It’s not what you think Ron. We just . . . talked last night is all.”

“Yeah right . . . whatever, but you’re teaching me how you just did that later.”

Hermione became very red and turned to talk to Dobby who was still quietly waiting for orders
from Harry.

“Well anyway, Hufflepuff went down hard to Slytherin last time and we’re down 220 points now. I
really need you in the game tomorrow are you gonna make it?”

Hermione leapt to her feet and stood next to Harry, “Ronald Weasley, don’t you dare try and
pressure him! He can’t fly now. He needs to recover first.”

“I’ll be there don’t worry mate. I won’t let the team down,” Harry said but didn’t look at
Hermione.

“You two are impossible! Honestly I can’t get you to study for more then fifteen minutes
straight without your complaining, but you’re ready to run out to the pitch when you can’t even
walk!”

Harry reached over and lightly placed a hand on her hip rubbing it slowly, “Hermione . . .
please this will be our last game at Hogwarts. I can’t just sit here and let Gryffindor lose the
cup to Slytherin without a fight.”

“But you’re not well. If you get hurt again you could damage something permanently.”

Ron chimed in, “Listen you two. We’ll talk about this later, we got a test in . . .three
minutes.”

Hermione franticly grabbed her bag and kissed Harry goodbye. “This conversation isn’t over
mister. We’ll talk more after dinner tonight.”

“Ok good luck . . .See you tonight,” he said resting back slowly.

“Dobby?”

“Yes sir, Mr. Potter sir.”

“Harry, please just call me Harry, Dobby.”

“Yes Mr. Harry sir.”

“Ohh . . . Please go tell Madam Pomfrey I may need another potion for the pain. My finger tips
are tingling again.”



5. Graduation Gifts
-------------------

That evening as Hermione walked with Ron from the common room to see Harry, hundreds of thoughts
where running through her mind. She could feel the love radiating from Harry this morning when they
met. It was undeniable how he felt now, and it was wonderful to be the recipient of such feelings,
the idea that someone desired her so much. No one had ever regarded her in such a fashion before.
It was exciting and scary at that same time. She wanted to just give in to it and be swept away by
all these new feelings and damn the consequences. But there was one thought that keep coming to the
surface was what Ginny had said, “He’s scared because you’re leaving in one week.” It was true she
had already enrolled in Stonehenge University. Four more years of school and training, school
without Harry or Ron. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea to become so attached now her mind kept
telling her, but her heart ached at the thought of being so far away from them. . . from him.

“Are you listening to me?” Ron said waving a hand in front of her face.

They had arrived and Ron was ready to push the door open, but was waiting for an answer to a
question she didn’t hear, “What!? . . .Sorry, I missed your last question. What was it again?”

“I said, is everything ok? You looked so zoned all through dinner.”

“Yes, I’m fine I’m just thinking is all.”

Ron stepped up faced her looking in to her eyes, “No your not. Your eyes are all dilated and
you’re blushing. What’s going on?”

“Nothing Ron, why would anything be going on? Now let’s just get this over with I have work to
do tonight,” she said trying to move past him to the door. But Ron threw his hand against the
handle to stop her.

“Hey, hey, hey one minute here. Listen I won’t get in the middle of what’s happening between the
two of you, but let me say one thing.”

He lowered his arm from the door and took her hands in his, “I want what’s best for you two.
Your both my best friends and I only want you to be happy. But don’t break his heart.” Hermione was
shocked to be hearing this from Ron of all people. “He’s hanging on by a thread as it is now. I
don’t think he could take much more. If you can’t accept this with open eyes, then let him go.
Release him so that he can be free.”

She didn’t know what to say, but just nodded slightly and looked at that floor. In her heart she
knew it was true. Being Harry Potter’s girlfriend wasn’t like any other relationship, it was a full
time position. Any woman with him would have to embrace that change or be swept to the side by the
current. There were no doubts that she could, in all likelihood, be the only woman to fill that
role. But was she ready to surrender herself just yet?

Ron gave her a quick hug and they entered the hospital wing. Harry was standing in his dressing
gown looking out over the grounds through the window. He didn’t turn as they approached but said,
“Come here and look at this. You’re not going to believe it.”

Ron and Hermione exchanged a confused glance and came to the large double windows. Outside the
main gates, hundreds of small tents had been set up. To the south by the lake many of the tents
flew the House flag of Gryffindor. The other half to the east flew the House flag of Slytherin.

“Where did they all come from?”

“I’m not sure, but they’ve been setting up camp all day. They are here for the match tomorrow.
The heir of Gryffindor is once again expected to repel the forces of Slytherin and everyone wants
to watch,” Harry stated flatly without looking at them.

That feeling was rising again in Hermione’s stomach. She would have to except all of this
forever if she chose to be with him. She quickly pushed it aside, “Don’t worry about it Harry. You
don’t have to play if you don’t want to. Forget about it.”

“I can’t just walk away now, Hermione. These people!” He made a broad sweeping motion towards
the grounds. “They’ve all come to watch another stunning event that is the sideshow of Harry
Potter. How can I be expected to forget it and move on if no one else will let me? This damned
rivalry between the houses goes back hundreds of years. I hate it.”

Ron looked a little worried, “Listen mate, it’s no big deal. So, there’ll be some more people in
the stands. Who cares? You better get used to it now. How do you think you’ll feel when we start
playing professionally?”

“I’m not going to be Ron. This is my last game at Hogwarts and I’m not joining the professional
circuit afterwards,” he said in a flat unemotional tone. Inside, Hermione was jumping for joy. She
was so happy. She hated the idea of Harry playing quidditch professionally. She always thought he
could do so much more with his talents, besides play a silly game. Ron on the other hand wasn’t so
happy about this news.

“What are you talking about? How can you do this to me Harry? We’re a team. The two of us are
un-stoppable! Come on mate!”

“I’m sorry Ron, but this is how it’s going to have to be for a while. I need to be away from all
of this. I need to find who I am, not what everyone else thinks I should be.” Harry walked over and
placed a hand on Ron’s shoulder, “Besides Ron you’re the Captain. You’re the one who’s gotten us
this far. You’re the one with the brilliant plays that people want to recruit. I’m just the guy who
catches the snitch.”

“Yeah, you say that now, but wait until after the game tomorrow. All those people will be
cheering your name; wanting your autograph. All the little kids will be waving Gryffindor flags at
us. Tell me then that you don’t want to play professionally.”

“This is going to be your time Ron, not mine. We’re in it deep now, and your going to have to
pull a miracle out of your hat to win this one.” Harry just shook Ron’s shoulder a little and
reached over and took Hermione’s hand. “Come on, I have your graduation gifts ready and I want you
to have them.”

They both perked up at the sound of gifts. Harry pulled open the drawer of the nightstand by his
bed and withdrew two presents.

“Now, I know this may be a little much, but I have a good reason and I’m ready to prove my point
if you don’t except them.”

Hermione was a little worried about what kind of gift he would have to prove they needed as she
ripped off the shiny paper wrapping. Inside was a small leather bond journal with the words ‘105
ZEPHYR COURT’ embossed on the front. She flipped the cover open and a gold key slid into her hand.
Also inside was a deed of ownership to a cottage not far from Stonehenge University with her name
as owner. She was speechless as she looked into his eyes and he silently mouthed, ‘Please don’t be
mad . . . please.’

Ron’s reaction was simply, “No!”

“Come on Ron, I want you to have this.”

“No way. How can you give me a flat in London? Do I look like a little kid that needs to hold
your hand? I can make it on my own!”

“Ron, be reasonable for one minute and let me explain. . .to the both of you, ok?”

“Fine, one minute.” Ron stood still with arms crossed. Hermione still couldn’t find the right
words, so she just waited.

“I knew you two would be upset by this, but I’m just trying to help. Think about it this way
Ron, what if you do go pro in Quidditch after Hogwarts? What then? Starting salary is low and
you’ll have to still live at the Burrow right? So what if you meet some bird at a game and you want
to be alone? Are you going back to the Burrow? I’m sure Molly would love that. Not to mention all
the odd hours you’ll be keeping with all the traveling. You’ll need your own place right away.”
Ron’s stern expression softened slightly. “Besides when your ready I’ll even buy it back from you
if you want. OK?”

“Well maybe I can just use it for a while till I can get my own place.”

“Sure, whatever you want to do with it is fine with me mate. I just wanted to give you that
freedom to choose is all.”

“Thanks Harry.”

Hermione smiled, as much as Ron hated it, Harry was right. He would need a little help in the
beginning. She couldn’t help but feel that Harry was giving her a way to back out of the developing
relationship that was growing between them though.

“Now Hermione, I know you want to go to S.U. and your parents where concerned because it’s so
far away. . . So, I thought that this would make you and them feel a little bit better. Besides the
library that’s in the cottage is fully stocked, it’s huge. You’ll love it, really.”

“Ron, can I have a few minutes to talk to Harry alone please?”



6. Wizard of the Infirmary
--------------------------

Sorry this took awhile, but I’m just trying to give you the best story I can.

Oh and here is the standard disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created
and owned by JK Rowling. So there you have it, I don’t own anything.

Chapter-6

“Ron can I have a few minutes to talk to Harry alone please?”

“Umm . . . sure I’ll catch you back at the common room.” Ron gave them a wave and started the
head out.

“Ron, wait up a second ok.” Harry called out as he hobbled over to Ron and out of earshot of
Hermione. They talked in low whispers for a few minutes then shook hands. Harry slowly made his way
back towards his bed and Hermione.

“OK go ahead and let me have it.”

“I’m not going to yell at you Harry.”

“You’re not?”

“No. . . I just have one question. Why, why would you give this to me?”

Harry couldn’t bring himself to look at her and slowly walked to the window again.

“Do you want me to leave, to go away, is that what this is? I thought that you would want me to
stay here with you. Was I wrong?”

There was still no answer from him. She started to feel very cold and alone by the bed. It was
as if all the warmth and comfort that surrounded Harry was retreating back inside of him, away from
her. She moved close to him and slid her arm under his, “What do you want Harry? What do you want
me to do?”

His shoulders jerked for a second and he raised his head to the starry sky through the window.
She thought he was laughing at first, until she could see his tears glistening in the
moonlight.

“What I want doesn’t matter. It’s wrong of me to ask for it. Besides you’re going to S.U.”

“Why is it wrong? Harry I don’t understand, please just say it . . . tell me.”

Harry turned and sat on the window ledge, and took her hands in his. He looked up into her eyes
adoringly, and slowly the warmth around them started to increase again.

“I . . . I want what the Weasleys have Hermione. I don’t want to be alone anymore. I don’t want
to be the last Potter. I don’t want to be the last of the Gryffindor line. I want a home and a
family of my own. I want to look down at our children with pride like Arthur and Molly do.”

*Did he just say ‘Our children’?*

“I love the way their house smells like fresh bread in fall and cinnamon in the winter. I want
to wake up in the morning and see you, not my face in the Daily Prophet about some Quidditch match.
I just want to be normal Hermione, not some walking history lesson . . .”

*‘He wants this . . . with me . . .’*

“Me?”

“Yes Hermione I want to spend my life with you. I’ve thought about this for two years now, and
you’re the only woman for me. I think I realized that in the Department of Mysteries. I didn’t put
it all together until late, but I knew from that moment that I can’t live without you.” Hermione’s
eyes started to swell with tears and she stepped closer to him, spreading his knees apart in order
to get as close as possible.

“Now can you see why this is wrong of me to tell you this? It would only change your decision to
go to University.”

Hermione stamped her foot in frustration, “It’s not wrong Harry! Can’t you see I want this too,
I . . . I just want to be with you. No matter what we do. I don’t care.”

Harry stood up abruptly, “No! . . .That’s the reason I shouldn’t have said this. You can be so
much more Hermione.” Again he turned from her towards the sky outside. “You can be more than just a
wife, you can be a doctor, a politician, or a teacher. Hell you could be running this school one
day for all I know. How can I ask you to give that up?”

“Who says I can’t do both? You’re talking to the witch with the highest OWLs in a century here,
all right? If anyone can figure out how to raise a family and have a career it’s me.”

Harry slowly turned and cupped her hand that still held the golden key, “Hermione, I know you’re
capable of handling anything, but this isn’t a homework assignment. This is your future, our
future. I just want you to think about this, that’s all.”

She was starting to get annoyed at his stubborn nature. *Why won’t he just believe me
already,* “And I told you! I’m ready for this, I want this too!”

“No your not! You’re not thinking this through. Think about what could happen to you just
because you’re with me.”

“No, you listen, Harry! I don’t think I’m the one who needs to do the thinking around here, you
are!”

“Hermione. . .”

“Oh this is ridiculous! I’m going to bed, when you decide what you think is best for MY life you
know where to find me!” With that she threw the key to the floor. The impact made a very clear
ringing sound that echoed throughout the hospital wing. Hermione didn’t look back once as she
stormed out of the hospital wing and slammed the doors open.

Harry was frozen watching her leave. This is all wrong, it wasn’t supposed to happen this way,
and it’s was his fault. The hollow feeling in the pit of his stomach was coming back again. His old
friend, he knew it well. It was his lonely companion all through her relationship with Viktor Krum.
Every time she would write him long letters or just stared into the fireplace after reading one of
his letters. It would eat away at him every time she’d hug him or wave goodnight. He thought it was
gone for good after New Years when she told him that she and Viktor where through, but here it came
again. He screwed up his face in intense concentration, “Not again . . . I won’t let it end like
this . . .”

*CRACK*

***

***

***

CRACK

Hermione jumped back as Harry apperated in front of her in the middle of the hallway.

“Damn it Harry! You scared me!”

He didn’t speak his face was drained of color and his eyes sparkled in the torch light, “Please
don’t. . .don’t leave me. . .” He slowly stepped forward, and when she didn’t flinch from his
advance he wrapped his arms around her. Burying his face in her hair he said, “I’m so sorry
Hermione. I didn’t mean to make you mad I just wanted to help. I only wanted to give you a
choice.”

Hermione let out a frustrated breath and said, “I know Harry, but when I told you I can handle
it I meant it. I’ve managed to get good grades and I’ve been by your side all these years too.”

“I know Hermione you’re always there, you’re my rock. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She laughed lightly and caressed his chest, “You probably would have flunked out of here and
starved to death by now.”

He laughed a little and looked up at her, “So are we ok then?”

“Yes we are, but I have one demand.”

“Name it.”

“Show me how you can Apperate within school grounds. How are you able to do what no one else can
do?”

“Ah so you want to know my secrets, eh?” he said playfully, adjusting his glasses.

“Yes, oh grand wizard of the infirmary. I wish to know all of your little tricks.”

“All of them? Well I can’t give away my entire hand, but I think I can trust you with a few of
my more spectacular achievements.”

“Really, well we will see about that.” She ended with a sigh and rested her head on his chest.
She always felt very content here. Harry’s grip tightened for a brief second before she heard a low
*Snap* and the familiar feeling of being apparated, followed by another low *Snap.*

She looked up at him and he simply smiled wide at her.

“Wait no fair you didn’t show me how you did it!”

“Didn’t I, . . .oh it must have slipped my mind.”

“Prat! Do it again.”

“Or. . .” he held up a finger gently to her lips. “Did I actually just show you and you didn’t
realize it?”

“No. . .you didn’t. I didn’t even know you where going to do it. So there, now one more
time.”

“Not tonight ok. It takes a lot of concentration and I really need to rest for the game
tomorrow. Come back in the morning and I swear I’ll show you. Deal?”

Harry looked at her with those pleading puppy eyes he used on her when he needed to look at her
notes for class. She never could say no, “Oh ok, but you better show me.”

“I swear I will.” He said as he swooped down and kissed her good night.



7. Magical footprints
---------------------

**AN:** This is the updated chapter from my wonderful beta **Cori**. I would like to thank
all of my readers for their great reviews and hope that you’ll ride this story out to the end. It
should be finished in two or three more chapters. Well enough talk on with the chapter.

________________________________________________________________________

Chapter-7

*~ purr ~ purr ~meow ~ purr ~*

Hermione didn’t open her eyes, only pulled the covers a little higher over her head. It must be
7:00 am and it was time for Crookshanks’ breakfast. Ever since she moved into the Head Girl’s room,
he seemed to be at home. Around 6:55 to 6:59, Dobby would bring her morning copy of the *Daily
Prophet*, one steaming cup of Breakfast tea, two pieces of lightly browned and buttered toast,
and a small saucer of tuna from the kitchens. Crookshanks would clean his plate nicely then spring
up onto her ‘four poster’ bed and wake her up for class. Obviously, Crookshanks didn’t realize that
her last class was yesterday, but she still had a lot to do today.

With some more nuzzling and a head but, Hermione was awake. She ran through the standard morning
routine munching on her toast as she pulled out her nicest school uniform. It wasn’t much different
then the others she owned, but this one was a little less worn.

She retreated to the drawing room to read her paper and flipped through her appointment book. By
the time she reached Saturday, there was a light rapping on the door.

Lavender and Pavarti ducked their heads in. “Hermione are you awake yet?”

“Yeah, I’m in here. Come in.”

They quickly navigated to the drawing room and pulled up some chairs. Lavender started the
volley, “So? . . . What happened you never got back to us?”

“Yeah what did he say? Did he yell? He looked so mad?” Pavarti added.

“No, I told you she went to see him last night too, they snogged when she saw him Tuesday. She
told me already.”

Hermione returned quickly, “We didn’t snogg—we—just kissed that’s all.”

Both laughed and Pavarti said, “Oh Hermione don’t give me that, I saw you come sneaking back in,
you looked like you had just run around the lake. You’re hair was all...” she made an exploding
motion around her hair and they all laughed.

“Ok so it got a little interesting but it wasn’t…”

She was cut off by Lavender suddenly, “Ok, ok old news. What happened last night? Liz Benedict
said she saw you and Harry in a deep *‘Passionate embrace’* by the charms classroom.”

“Oh . . . well yeah we were, but nothing really happened.”

Both girls squealed and bounced around, “So is he a good kisser?”

“How far did you guys go?”

“Did he tell you he loved you?”

“Oh they are in love! Look at her face! Spill, come on tell us.”

Hermione stumbled for a place to start, but it came out all mixed up, “No . . . What . . .Yes, I
mean sort of.”

“What? Wait. Stop. Start from the beginning.”

Seeing no way to escape Hermione relented and scooped up Crookshanks from her feet, placing him
on her lap like a shield and told them everything. Well not everything, only the more juicy bits to
be examined. They sorted and a deciphered all of Harry’s mixed signals for the next quarter of an
hour. They ended on one thing of note…

“He never said, *‘I Love you’* during that time?”

“No, . . .not once.”

“But he gave you a Cottage.”

“Yes.”

“And he said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you?”

“Yes, and have children too.”

They all sunk into deep thoughts for a moment or two. Then Lavender gave her verdict as, “I
think he’s just scared to say it. All of them are. Its like their afraid it’ll mean he’s a
*Mary* if they show they have a heart.”

Pavarti countered with, “No, he is scared, but that’s not the reason. He’s just afraid to let
her get close to him. He’s lost people that are close to him before.” Lavender nodded in
agreement.

Hermione eyed Pavarti bristling a bit, “Hang on a second. How do you know about those people?
And come to think of it, what or who where you doing on Tuesday night that you saw me come
back?”

Pavarti looked only a little shocked at how fast Hermione saw through her comment, “Umm—well—you
see its like. . . Ron! It’s Ron’s fault he told me, and I was with him on Tuesday night. That’s how
I saw you come back in.”

Lavender’s eyes grew wide, “You little Tart! I can’t believe you, I’m not even out of the
picture for a week and you’re all ready in there to mend his broken heart.”

Pavarti was quick to reply, “Tart! Look who’s talking, you’ve been messing around with him and
like three other guys at the same time. So don’t blame me. He’s cute, and the Quidditch captain,
too. So why shouldn’t I have a go at him?”

“The only reason we never got serious is because he never wanted to be tied down! That was fine
for awhile, but then he started messing around with that Ravenclaw girl!”

“Luna? Wait a minute he’s still seeing her?” Pavarti asked looking a bit hurt.

“Yes, and that’s why we split up. He was always talking to her and meeting her for help with his
homework, or oh yeah the secret D.A. training in the Room of Requirement. That’s why I’m not with
him anymore. What does she have that I don’t? I mean honestly she was wearing cherries for earrings
the other day! Cherries! For the love of Merlin, the girl has no style at all.”

Hermione felt it necessary to come to Ron’s aid here, although this was all his fault. “I think
that’s one of the things he likes about her. There’s no rules or guidelines to follow or proper
ways to act. He can be just as quirky and silly as he wants to be and it’ll never faze her in the
least. I’m happy for him actually.” Both girls threw her a nasty look. “Oh, but maybe he has taken
this whole playboy thing a bit too far, of course.”

The three of them sat in silence for a few minutes until Hermione folded up her paper and stood
up. “Well I have to get ready and see Harry before the game today.” This seemed to bring the girls
around.

“Well now that’s just the reason we came here in the first place isn’t it, Pavarti dear?”
Lavender stated with a bit of a smile.

“Oh yes of course, we’ve come to get you ready for the big game.” Pavarti said as she swung her
over sized bag on to her lap.

Hermione watched as they dumped the contents on the table. Spilling out various cosmetics and
few articles of clothing, “Oh boy.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After close to an hour had passed, Hermione was free of Lavender and Parvarti’s primping and
prepping. The trip to the hospital wing was a sea of colors; half red and half green. The school
was divided; Hufflepuff had sided with Gryffindor, but Ravenclaw had taken Slytherin’s side. After
Ron’s crushing victory over Ravenclaw last month Gryffindor had made more then a few enemies over
in their house. He had no intention, of course, of hurting the team’s pride, but Malfoy had placed
a very large wager on the fact that Ron would crumble under the superior skills of the Ravenclaw
chasers. So Ron made it his mission not to let a single goal through, and he did just that. He
really was brilliant that day. She only hoped that today he could give a repeat performance.
Because Gryffindor needed it dearly.

The hospital wing was very quiet when she arrived and she thought for a moment that Harry may
have left already. That was, until she heard his grumbling behind the curtained walls around his
bed. “Harry? Is everything all right? Can I come in?” There was the sound of quick shuffling then
something hit the floor with a soft thump. The curtains opened a little to reveal a half dressed,
but beaming Harry.

“Hermione, you made it. I was about to give. . .” he stopped mid-sentence and just gazed at her.
He was already in his Quidditch tights and socks, but still hadn’t managed to get his jumper on.
His eyes flicked up and down her body seemingly lost in her presence.

“You look—beautiful—Hermione. What did you do?” he attention was finally broken by Dobby trying
to hand him his jumper. She blushed a little and took the sweater from Dobby, “Well it was Lavender
and Parvarti’s idea. I think they just like playing dress-up with me really. So they did my hair
and gave me this wonderful shirt and a few other things.” She said moving around Harry with smile
and a little twirl.

He reached out a clasped her hand pulling her into his curtained sleeping area, “Well I think
you look stunning, of course you always look that way to me.” The sun was shinning through the tall
windows and illuminated everything giving it a fresh spring feeling. Raising her palms through the
bottom of his jumper to the neck hole readying it to be put on she gave him a seductive little
grin, “May I?”

He smiled, removed his glasses and lowered his head, “Please. . .” She slipped the jumper over
his head to his neck then circled around behind him. She froze in her tracks at first glance of his
back. It still wasn’t completely healed. There still where tiny scabbed holes up and down his back
along his spine. The rest looked as if they’d been healed, now only faint little ringed scares
where left as a reminder. She gently ran her fingers over his shoulder blades and sighed deeply.
Sensing her distress Harry turned slowly to face her.

“Don’t worry luv, it doesn’t hurt anymore. And it should be healed completely in a day or
so.”

She ran her palms across his bare chest down to his abdomen. He was very warm. It was like
touching a hot car seat in the summer time; at first you’re scared to touch it, to feel the heat,
but once you do everything else is cold in comparison. His skin was hard, but tender to the touch
like so many of her favorite books whose covers of aged leather, worn through years of rubbing and
pressing in her bag, where comforting to her.

Harry made no attempt to stop her inner musings, but became lost in the wonderful smell of her
hair. It had the fragrance of peaches and shined wonderfully in the sunlight. She had only the hint
of make-up on and it suited her nicely. A touch of gloss on the lips, and maybe a bit of blush, he
thought, because her cheek bones showed off the most gentle of curves down to her lips. With a
tender caress of her elbow he caught her attention again, “We could continue this, which would
please me very much. Or I could see to your demands of last night,” he said in a low voice as he
gently rubbed her forearms. “What do you think. . .hmm?”

Hermione was finding it very hard to concentrate while he was doing that. There was something in
his touch. The feeling of his flesh and hers, the gentle friction and heat of it would go straight
to her mind and click off the logical side of her brain. It was wonderful. She deeply desired to
continue, thinking just how easy it would be to simply remove what little he did have on and
explore her wildest fantasies locked away in the *‘Forbidden’* section of her mind. It only
took a few seconds of thought before she placed a slow wet kiss just above his heart stopping only
for a instant to nip his skin with her teeth before pulling his jumper down around him, “We’ll pick
this up after the game tonight, if you win of course.”

“If we win? Do you think I would let us lose with this…” he slipped his hands down her ribs to
her hips gently slipping his fingers into the waistband of her skirt, “hanging in the balance?”

She gave him a twisted grin and pulled his hands in front of her. “I should hope not. There are
still a few things Lavender gave me you haven’t—seen—yet.”

“Really? Well let us move on to the training portion of your visit, Ms. Granger. So I can dash
off and finally crush what little hope Ferret boy has of ever besting me at Quidditch.”

He adjusted his collar a bit and guided her to the window seat, “You want to know how I can
apparate with in school grounds. Yes?”

“Yes, among many other of your tricks, but yes we can start there,” she said, adjusting the
folds in her skirt.

Harry watched her for a moment and took her hand. “I’m sure your waiting hear an enchantment or
some addition to the manner in which we normally would apparate, but there isn’t really. It’s still
the same spell as all 6th years learn.”

Hermione looked confused by this, “But how can this be? The ward’s around the school prevent
just such a thing from happening. If it was the same why didn’t Voldemort just pop in here and get
you?”

Harry held a finger aloft, “Ah yes, Voldemort, now we get to the reason why I learned to do
this.”

“Did Dumbledore teach you this?”

“No not really, but it did come about through my training in Occlumency. You see I was always
trying to clear my mind, to shut out all the extra noise in my head so I could sleep.” Taking her
hand he sat back down. “That’s when, one night, I heard a her voice.”

“Her voice? Whose voice?”

“Well it wasn’t so much a person’s voice, but kind of like a presence all around me.” She
continued to look confused. “Merlin this is hard to explain. Maybe it would be better if I just
showed you.”

“OK. How do we do that?”

Harry placed his fingers on her temples and said, “Now it’s very important that you just relax,
but most important is that you try and clear your mind. Just trust in me. Let me into your thoughts
so I can guide you. Can you do that?” Hermione was scared, but only for a second. She knew in her
heart he would never let any harm come to her.

“Yes of course.”

He smiled at her and closed his eyes for a second. His face tightened in concentration and she
could feel him probing into her conscious thoughts. It was a gentle sensation kind of like stepping
into a hot shower. There was a feeling of warmth and comfort washing over her. Then suddenly his
eyes snapped open, the pupils inside where as wide as dinner plates, and she could feel herself
being lifted out from her body.

*‘Oh my god!* *What’s happening?’* she thought feeling very scared all of the
sudden.

Until she heard Harry’s calm soothing voice in her head, *‘It’s ok Hermione I’m right here
with you. Nothing is going to happen, trust me. Now try and look around.’* When she did finally
open her eyes again, she was no longer looking into Harry’s eyes anymore, but from the ceiling down
at the both of them sitting near the window. It was like looking through a fishbowl. Everything was
warped and stretched except for the things right in front of you.

*‘Where are we? Are we still inside of our bodies?’*

*‘Yes’*

*‘Then how is this possible?’*

*‘We are now seeing what the school sees.’*

*‘Pardon, what was that? The school can see us?’*

*‘Yes, it’s always watching, changing, moving to protect all of us. It’s part of who it
is.’*

*‘You mean that Hogwarts is—alive?’*

*‘Let me show you.’* He said as the scenery changed and they were in the main stairwell
watching as the stairs moved and the landings raised and lowered.

*‘The best I can figure is that through all the years the school has functioned, and all of
the different witches and wizards that have enchanted the school to act as it does, has left a mark
on it.’*

*‘Sort of like a magical footprint on the school itself. Interesting.’* Although she
couldn’t see Harry she could feel him near her. *‘So how did you find out you could
apparate?’*

The scenery changed again and now they where looking from the South tower toward the lake,
*‘Hang on a minute. I’m getting to that. Now you see, there is something here, not a single
person, but an energy with in the castle like a shield. Do you feel it?’*

*‘Yes it’s just on the fringe of my senses, like a perimeter charm.’*

*‘Exactly, that’s the ward blocking us from apparating. Come, we have to get back to the
hospital wing.’*

*‘Oh not yet, this is incredible. I want to see more.’*

*‘Look down there by the row at the far end of tents. Do you see her?’* As she focused her
view on that point there was Madam Pomfrey walking back towards the castle with a small medical bag
in hand*. ‘She’s on her way back and I have to get out of there before she returns.’* Slowly
the view of the lake receded and the hospital wing came back into view. Once again she was back in
her own body, sitting in the window seat with Harry.

He massaged his temples and asked, “Are you ok?”

She didn’t feel any different, but did have a slow headache. “I’m fine and you?”

He quickly stood up and started to gather his things. “Yes, just hurts if I do that too long. So
now how do we apparate, you ask?” Hermione nodded to this. “Well, when I needed to get to your
house on New Years Eve, I kept trying and trying to apparate, but couldn’t. I screamed and cursed
this school for holding me back from saving you. I remember asking if it really wanted you to die
too. Then I heard the voice it asked me who? Who did I want to save, and why?” Harry stopped and
dropped to his knees in front of her and rested his head on her lap. She could see that this must
have been a terrible time for him.

“So I answered back, *‘Hermione Granger, she’s my best friend in the world . . . I love her. .
. Please just let me go to her. Please?’* Then it was gone. The wards where lowered, and I could
go to you.”

Hermione didn’t speak, she only combed her fingers threw his hair.

“I think you know what happened after that. So when I saw what was happing in the greenhouse
that day I just did what I had to do to save you. I didn’t even think that I couldn’t, some how I
knew I could.”

“And last night?”

“How could I let you walk away like that? I think I would die inside if you hated me. I had to
go after you.”

“So can you do it anytime now?”

“No, I’ve tried and can’t. Only when it involves you in some way.”

“Strange, I wonder why?”

Before Harry had a chance to answer the doors the Hospital wing opened. They both stood up
quickly and grabbed their bags. “Ready?” he said. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and
kissed his cheek, “Let’s go.”

*Crack*

***

***

Crack

~ ~ ~ ~

Stay tuned! The next chapter begins the Quidditch Cup Final.



8. Lions—Lions—Lions
--------------------

**AN**—Wow this chapter took forever. Sorry about that everyone, I’ll try to be faster next
time. The next chapter will be the last in this story. I wanted to say that you to all of you
reviewers, your comments is what drives me. **THANK YOU** Most of all I have to thank Coriander
my Beta. You rock and I couldn’t have done it with out you. **Thanks.**

Ok on with the show. . .


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Chapter 8**

Crack!

They appeared right by the main entrance to the Quidditch field. Before anyone could check to
see what the noise was Harry pulled Hermione behind one of the large hanging partitions. “Quickly
before anyone spots us.” Harry said. Hermione surveyed his face quickly then pulled down his jumper
a bit into place, “Are you embarrassed to be seen with me like this?” her voice was soft and her
eyes downcast.

Harry’s right hand shook a little as he raised her chin up to meet his, “You’re joking right?”
His eyes flicked back and forth between hers. “Hermione I don’t care what anyone thinks about me,
accept you. I would write it across the sky with my Firebolt if it would make you happy. You’re the
only one I want to be with now and forever, understand?” This made her happier, but he could still
see a bit of doubt behind her smile. Slowly he kissed her lips.

Suddenly their dark hideaway was flooded with sunlight as the partition was pulled away. Harry
heard the signature laughter of Crabbe and Goyle. Malfoy was standing off to the side with his arm
around Pansy Parkinson, snickering he said, “Oh isn’t this precious, the little Mudblood’s here
nursing Scarhead back to health.”

Pansy gave Hermione a disgusted look. “What is she your girlfriend now Potter? I thought you had
better taste then—this,” she said, pointing a long finger at Hermione. “At least Cho was halfway
descent looking.”

Hermione reached for her wand stepping forward, but was stopped by Harry. He dropped his bag and
stepped out from behind the partition wall. They all backed away slowly, for a look of murderous
rage washed over Harry’s face. He got right into Malfoy’s face. “I would watch what you say,
Malfoy, if I where you. You wouldn’t want your head up there next to your fathers, on a pike above
the Ministry.”

Malfoy was turning redder and redder by the second; his anger was about to explode. At the close
of the war the Ministry of Magic had reinstated some of their older more barbaric laws from the
past. Anyone who was caught practicing Dark Magic against the Minister or the Crown of England was
publicly beheaded for all to see, their head was then placed on a long pike and set out above the
doorway to the Minister. Not only did this help to reassure the public that they were in fact
winning the war, but that these people would never be coming back from the dead this time.

“You wait Potter. I’ll get you one of these days.” He and his minions backed away slowly towards
their locker rooms. “One day when you’re not with your friends, I’ll avenge my father! It’ll be
your head up there!”

Harry was trembling with anger. He wanted to hurt Malfoy for all the damage he’d done over the
years, and always seemed to get out of trouble some how. He hated him more then Voldemort. The
feeling of warmth surrounded him from behind as Hermione wrapped her arms around him, “Forget about
him Harry. He just wants to upset you. To keep you off balance for the game.”

“That’s a smart girl you got their Harry, you should hang on to this one,” said a familiar voice
from behind them both.

Harry spun around in Hermione’s arms, “Wood?”

Oliver Wood was standing there with another man in black and white robes. Harry and Hermione
walked over and happily shook hands with him and his friend who introduced himself as just Marcus.
Harry could see by the symbol of his chest that he must play for the Montrose Magpies. All his
thoughts of blasting Malfoy into fairy dust where quickly forgotten by the sight of his old
captain.

“So what brings you here today Wood, I didn’t think you pro guys paid to much attention to the
school leagues. What gives?”

“Look at the turn out Harry. There’s a few scout’s here from the pro teams so McGonagall sent me
an owl asking if I wanted to do commentary for the match. So me and Marcus here thought we’d drop
in on the old team.”

“That’s great! Look I have to get in there before Ron has a panic attack and thinks I’m not
coming. Want to tag along? I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you,” Harry said steering Hermione around
towards the locker room.

Oliver pondered this for a minute, then shot Marcus a look, “Do you mind going up to the
announcer’s box without me. I’ll be there soon - just want to check on my old team.”

Marcus didn’t look put out at all. “Sure no problem. If anyone’s in our seats I’ll toss ‘em over
the edge.” They had a quick laugh and they were off. When they where close to the locker room door
Harry stopped Oliver, “So tell me Wood are we screwed? What are they flying now? I know they got a
donation from the alumni last week. What did they get?”

“Harry, you know I can’t tell you that mate.” Wood said trying his best to look shocked.
Hermione was quick to chime in, “That’s against the rules Harry! Oliver is supposed to be neutral
here today, right?” she finished, looking to Wood for his endorsement.

“This is true,” he said, but held his finger in the air to stop Harry’s pleas. “But! I’m still a
Gryffindor and would hate to see my mates lose to those wankers.” Hermione crossed her arms but
Harry looked hopeful. “They got new Thunderbird 420’s from America.”

Harry’s shoulders sunk and he rested his head on Hermione’s shoulder, “We’re doomed! Those
brooms are ridiculously fast. My Firebolt’s going to look like it’s sitting still next to Malfoy’s
broom.” Hermione snuck her hand behind his back and rested it on his ass, which caught his
attention. “Well at least the match will be over fast,” she said with a coy smile.

Harry glared at her, “Ha Ha. I don’t want it to be over fast. I want to win. We need this
victory, Ron needs this win.”

Wood held up his hands in demonstration for Harry, “Look, Harry the thing to remember is the
Thunderbird is build for flat out speed.” Wood swooped his fingers down and up quickly. “Their
drawback is turning. You can out maneuver him any day on the Firebolt, just don’t try to outrun him
for the snitch . . . OK?”

Harry smiled weakly at Wood, “Well I hope the snitch will cooperate and move around a lot. Come
on let’s see what’s going on in there,” he said motioning to the door. They opened the door and
where assaulted by the sounds of screaming voices.

“I DON’T CARE WHAT SHE SAYS! I’m the captain we’re using MY plays! GOT IT!” Ron screamed at
Seamus.

Seamus threw his pads to the floor, “I never said we can’t use your plays!”

“Yeah but you didn’t stick up for me when she was here, did you?” Ron yelled stepping closer to
him.

Harry dropped his bag and darted between them. “Hey, Hey, cool it you two! What’s going on here
anyway?” Oliver and Hermione slipped into the corner, unnoticed by all.

Ron looked visibly relived to see Harry and said, “Well McGonagall paid us a visit a few minutes
ago, and started suggesting some plays she thought would be good for today’s game. The nerve of
that woman! Trying to…”

“Ron! She’s our Professor and the Head of our house! Don’t you dare talk about her like that!”
Hermione yelled. Ron spun around looking astonished, “What are you doing here?”

“I came here with Har. . .”

“WOOD! Oh my god is it good to see you.” Ron jumped over a bench and grabbed Oliver pulling him
over to the blackboard. “Let me run this play past you ok? Tell me what you think alright?” Oliver
laughed a little at Ron’s enthusiasm. “OK, but I have to get out of here soon so make it
quick.”

Hermione watched as Seamus thumped Harry on the back from behind thanking him for saving him
from Ron. Harry grit his teeth and his face tightened. Harry patted him on the shoulder and walked
back over to Hermione his movements were slow and planned. Outwardly no one noticed anything wrong,
but she knew inside he must have been in pain. She reached down and retrieved his bag. He flashed
her a quick smile. “Thanks.”

“Have a seat. I’ll help you get ready,” she said pulling out his pads. He didn’t refuse her
offer, but sat still as she fastened his shin guard on. The concern was clearly written all over
her face when she held out the forearm pads waiting for him. Harry placed his hand on hers, “Please
don’t worry — OK? It’ll be over 1,2,3 you’ll see.”

Hermione sighed slipping the guard over his arm, “I know, just be careful, OK?”

“I will be. No banzai dives, OK?” he said looking into her eyes. ‘My god she’s beautiful even
when she’s worried . . .amazing.’

“Promise?”

He leaned down and kissed her softly and said against her lips, “I swear to you.”

Ginny let out a deep sigh and punched Neville in the arm, “Why can’t you act more like
that?”

Neville looked around the room quickly, not understanding what she was talking about. “What . .
.what did I miss?”

Ginny stomped her foot and turned away from him smiling, “Jerk! You never listen to me.”

Now he looked even more confused than before and slowly turned her back around, “Ginny I’m
sorry. I didn’t mean to. I was just looking for my bat — swear. Don’t be mad.”

She giggled and leaned up into his chest smiling playfully, “I know, I’m just messing with you.”
He bent down to kiss her, but Ron had other ideas.

“Oi! Longbottom get your hands of my sister!” Ron said with a fiery stare at him. Dennis, Dean,
and Seamus all laughed. Ever since Neville started dating Ginny over the Christmas break in sixth
year, Ron was forever locked in his over-protective mode. Although, he did tell Harry once that
Neville was an good choice for her, he couldn’t help himself, it’s just what he does.

Ginny snapped him a smirk and kissed Neville dead on the lips, “Give it a rest Ronniekins!” Ron
crushed the chalk in his hand. Just then the five-minute whistle was billowed.

Everyone started scrambling around gathering his or her gear. Dean walked over to Neville and
they clinked their Beaters bats in greeting, “Ready?” Neville just nodded. Seamus flung his broom
over his shoulder and handed Ginny hers, “Come on Dennis get a move on.”

Dennis Creevey was new to the team this year and was still unsure of himself most of the time.
That is until you got him on the field then he was the ‘Jr Snitch’ as they called him. He was so
small that he offered little resistance to the speed of his broom. He could dart in and out of the
tightest spots and still throw the quaffle with great aim. The team loved him.

As Hermione slid Harry’s gloves on, she couldn’t help but notice how his right arm would shake
every so often, “Are you sure you going to be alright?” she asked, looking very worried now.

Harry stood up and wrapped her in a warm embrace running his hands up and down her spine. “I’ll
be fine. Don’t worry ok? 1,2,3 right?”

She sighed lightly and nuzzled into his neck. “I’m scared something bad is going to happen
today. Don’t underestimate Malfoy out there . . .please.”

He stopped his soothing motions of his hands and pulled her in tighter. “I won’t. I promise. Now
go with Wood so I know where to find you in the stands alright?” She gave him one final kiss and
met Oliver at the door; she waved and mouthed ‘I love you’ before leaving.

Wood took Hermione by the hand as they walked through the throngs of people. She’d never seen
this many people at a school game before. A cool wind blew off the lake kicking up the dust and
dirt from the worn path leading to the stands. As they approached the stairway upwards the crowds
bottlenecked and they started to become crushed in the rush of spectators.

Someone was pushing Hermione from behind right on her bum. She whipped her head around to tell
them off, but was met with an older woman looking rather embarrassed. She looked down at her son in
front of her and smiled weakly. “Roger! Stop that this instant!” she grabbed his arms that where
firmly planted on Hermione’s rear and smacked his hand. “Sorry about that.” Hermione blushed deeply
at the little boy no more then nine or ten years old in cute little Gryffindor quidditch robes. He
just looked up at her and smiled.

After about three minutes they where headed up towards the top box. Before they even reached the
halfway point in the stairs they heard Marcus start announcing the Slytherin team as they hit the
pitch. “Lets hear it for the Slytherin team! Malfoy, Bulstrode, Parkinson, Crabbe, Warrington,
Nott, Goyle . . .They’re coming into this match with a huge 220-point lead today. If they can hold
Gryffindor off long enough to get the snitch they take back the Cup.”

From the other end of the field Hermione could hear the loud response from the Slytherin fans
echo off the wooden staircase. As they reached the top Oliver turned to her, “OK, I’ve got to go,
will you be all right?”

She was a little out of breath, but fine, “Yes thanks, Lavender is saving me a seat. Go on
hurry.” With that done Wood popped up to the back of the box, past Dumbledore and McGonagall to
Marcus. Hermione pushed her way past all the standing students and their families to the front
row.

Parvati was watching the stairs, and when she spotted her she waved her down, “Hey! Down here.”
Hermione cut past a few boys that had gotten in to the team spirit a little too much in her
opinion. Lots of the boys had taken to the idea of changing their hair color to Gryffindor red for
the games. Ron of course loved this idea, and said it looked like a Weasley family reunion up in
the stands.

Lavender was looking enthusiastically down towards the end of the pitch, “Where are they?”
Parvati finished, “Yes, they’re late.”

The Gryffindor team walked in silence down the long hallway towards the field. No one spoke
until they reached the entrance. Seamus looked around and said, “Where’s Harry?” Ginny just shook
her head at him, “You know where he’s at. So just shut it, he’ll be here.”

Back in the now empty locker room Harry stood by his open locker. He reached in and pulled out
his Firebolt. It wasn’t the fastest broom anymore, more improved and faster models had come out,
but he didn’t care. This was a gift from his godfather, and the only link he still had to him in
this world. He promised himself he would fly it until it wouldn’t fly anymore, there would never be
another. The polish had dulled where he gripped it, the twigs where frazzled and frayed, and there
were a few repaired cracks in the handle, but it still was a good broom. His broom. Gripping it
tightly he held the handle to his head, “Sirius . . .I know your out there somewhere. If you can
see me, this is my last game at Hogwarts. I wish you where here with me.” He bumped his head
against the handle hard as a single tear rolled down his cheek. “I miss you—so much. If you’re out
there . . . see me now. I need you . . .”

Harry brushed the tears aside and walked out to his teammates. Quietly he padded down the long
hallway to the rear of the group. Ginny didn’t speak when he stood next to her, but only patted him
on the arm and nodded. He looked at her and a small smile appeared across his face. He was grateful
for Ginny; she always hung back and never let the other guys go back to the room when Harry was in
there saying his silent prayers.

The high-pitched sound of Madam Hooch’s whistle pierced the stadium and signaled their entrance
to the field. Thunderous applause and stomping feet filled the stands so much they could see the
rafters above them shaking. In ones and twos they flew out over the pitch. Harry could feel a knot
in his chest rising as he whipped around the pitch. The stands where like a field of red and gold
grass flailing in the wind. It was a mix of waving arms, flags, and smiling teeth all watching
them. Oliver Wood’s voice boomed out their names as they entered.

“Lets welcome the Gryffindor team Weasley, Longbottom, Finnigan, Thomas, Creevey, Weasley, and
Potter! Is this your Team Gryffindor?”

Everyone on in the red and gold stands screamed, “YES!”

Marcus voice sounded sad, “I don’t think they heard the question Wood. Better ask again.” Wood
yelled in to the mic, “I said, ‘Is—This—YOUR—Team—Gryffindor?’”

The response was so loud and clear Ginny was forced to cover her ears, “YES!” Followed by a
rolling chant of, “Lions—Lions—Lions—Lions”

As everyone floated down in to their positions Ron came up next to Harry and they clasped
forearms in a very Spartan style handshake, “Ready?”

Harry just smirked and cocked an eyebrow at him, “It’s a little late to turn back now don’t you
think?”

Ron gave him a very devilish smile, “Heh, just listen for my calls and we’ll have these blokes
cryin’ for mum in no time. Just keep him away from the snitch long enough for me to work my
magic.”

Harry didn’t speak, but only nodded as Malfoy took his position across from him in the sky. Ron
slowly passed by the rest of the team taking his place at the goal posts.

Madam Hooch stood in the center of the pitch whistle in hand. “Alright, now this one’s for the
Cup. I want a clean game and remember you’re not just representing your House here today, but
Hogwarts as well. Give them a good show. Now on my signal.”

Harry’s attention on Malfoy was broken by the desire swelling in his stomach. ‘Where are you? .
. . Show yourself to me.’ His eyes flicked up and down threw the bleachers.

“The Bludgers are released! — And their goes the Golden Snitch!”

Out of the corner of his eye he saw a flash of gold whip past his head and the buzzing of it’s
metal wings. His first instinct was to track the flashing gold of victory, but he couldn’t pull
away from his search. His desperate search for — her, then he found her sitting in the front row of
the middle tower. She was staring right back at him with a casual smile on her face, and then she
shook her head just a bit and pointed down to the field. He could hear her in his head saying,
“Think you should pay attention Harry. This may be important.” He laughed a bit and looked down as
the Quaffle flew from Madam Hooch’s hands and her whistle signaled the start of the game.

“The Quaffle is released and the game is on!”



9. One Heart, One Mind
----------------------

AN: I would love to thank everyone who reviewed and inspired me to go on. I’m happy to say this
is the last chapter, but there will be an epilogue posted after Christmas. I’ve really enjoyed
writing this story and would like to write a second part to it. If you think I should please tell
me in your review. I also have to thank Cori, who is the best beta I could have asked for, thank
you. Please have a happy holidays and a great New Year. Thanks again.

Rights? I do not own Harry Potter so we know what rights I have . . . none!

* “We will rock you” is performed and owned by Queen

Chapter 9: **One Heart, One Mind**

*“**Warrington* *with the Quaffle—he’s cutting low headed right for the
Keeper!”*

Ron watched as Warrington came whipping past Seamus, past Ginny, then he cut up, Right for him.
Just as he was within range to score WHAM! Neville Longbottom checked Warrington hard in the upper
body. He threw all his weight into it sending Warrington far of course to score.

Seamus and Ginny descended on the out of control chaser like hungry dogs. Within seconds
Warrington was stripped of the Quaffle. Seamus with the ball went high and Ginny went low as they
streaked toward the Slytherin Keeper. Pulling himself as low as possible to his broomstick Seamus
cut through the defending Chasers. Crabbe or Goyle he didn’t know which, one of them sent a Bludger
zinging past his head. He was trying to evade the deadly ball as it came around for another try he
pulled up hard on his broom. The Bludger cackled wildly off in to the distance, and he started into
a steep 45-degree angled dive toward Millicent Bulstrode, the Slytherin Keeper. Her legs tightened
around her broom and her face screwed up in concentration waiting for his throw. Seamus drew back
the Quaffle to throw, but instead dropped the ball straight down. Before Millicent knew what
happened below her, Ginny caught the ball and sent it sailing into the lower left ring. The
Gryffindor stands exploded with cheering fans.

“Gryffindor scores! Ginny Weasley with the first goal here today, and a lovely pass by Finnigan
if I do say.” Oliver couldn’t contain the excitement in his voice. Marcus followed up, “Yes a
classic move there. Bulstrode had better keep both eyes open. Gryffindor in the lead now 10-0”

As the Gryffindor team pulled back waiting for the next Slytherin advance, Ron was in total
control. He moved forward a bit and barked out commands to the Beaters and Chasers. Harry didn’t
have to hear them to know what to do. His job was always the same - block or capture the Snitch,
and since it was nowhere in sight he thought it was time to have some fun with Malfoy. Without
warning he broke in to a leveled dive towards the Slytherin bleachers. Zipping past the advancing
Chasers, he saw Nott with the Quaffle this time. Draco quickly pulled along side of Harry, and
started scanning for the Golden Snitch. Just as he did this Harry stopped his forward movement,
angled his broom skyward and rocketed into the air above. He peeked down between his arms and saw
Draco shake his head in disgust and pull up from his dive. Harry laughed for a minute at how easy
it was to trick Malfoy, but then he stopped laughing when he realized just how fast he caught up to
him. It wasn’t even 20 seconds and Malfoy was pulling ahead of him. There was no doubt that Draco
had the faster broom this time.

With a strangled groan, Nott sent the Quaffle towards the upper ring, only to have it swatted
back by one of Ron’s long arms. Pansy Parkinson quickly scooped it up and sent it back at Ron. Ron
turned into the sailing ball taking it in the chest, and caught it.

“Oh two Brilliant saves by Weasley there. You know once I blocked 18 consistent . . .” Wood was
cut off by a very bored sounding Marcus, “That’s great Wood, but back to the game. Weasley sending
the Quaffle up mid-field to Creevey . . . Wow look at this kid go!”

Hermione was lost in the action as she watched the game. The Chasers cut through the air like
birds of prey. Dennis Creevey moved up and down the field with ease. He scored two more goals
before Slytherin had a chance to recover. Ginny and Dennis captured the Quaffle after another
failed attempt to score by Nott. They started up field to score when from behind them Goyle sent
the Bludger straight at Crabbe. For a second it looked like he meant to hit Crabbe, but he in turn
hit it with a fierce backhanded strike. The Bludger ripped up the field faster then she’d ever seen
it before. Poor Dennis never knew what hit him; it smashed him square in the back. The Quaffle
dropped and so did he. They both hurtled toward the ground quickly. All of Gryffindor gasped in
horror as his limp body smacked onto the pitch. Lavender and Parvati covered their eyes not wanting
to look at him.

Malfoy laughed and shook his head. Harry’s fists clenched tightly around his broom handle, “You
son of BITCH! He’s only a kid!”

Malfoy’s eyes opened wide in mock horror and gasped, “Ooh, I’m so sorry Mr. Potter was that one
of your teammates? I dare say he fell down and went—boom!” He smacked his leg jovially almost
doubling over at his own joke.

Harry’s mind was distracted from the laughing git in front of him by a flash of gold off in the
distance. The score was still too low to go after it yet only 30-0 so he had to be careful how he
reacted. He did the only thing he could think of, distract Malfoy from the game to help Gryffindor
score. Harry came alongside Malfoy’s broom and looked closely at it, “Hmm so this is your new broom
huh?”

Malfoy rolled his head to the side and smirked at Harry, “Best broom on the market. Nothing is
faster then the *Thunderbird* series!”

Harry gave him a snort, “Pff it’s so typical of you Malfoy. You always think because you have
the best *this* or the purest of *that,* it’ll make you better than me! Let’s see what
your broom can do then — follow me if you can *Ferret Boy*!”

With that last comment Harry broke into a steep climb into the heavens. Draco growled and broke
into pursuit of him. He was quickly on Harry’s tail but couldn’t pass him because Harry had broken
into a series of arial-acrobatics so wild he never knew which way to go next. They streaked across
the pitch at breakneck speeds drawing the attention of the whole stadium. Everyone thought they
where actually chasing the Snitch.

They cut threw the goal post, over the stands, and into the drainage trench. Malfoy was so close
behind him that Harry swore he could feel Malfoy’s rank breath on his neck. His heart was pounding
in his chest, and as he soared up into the air upside down the g-force was so hard on his whole
body he thought he would pass out.

As Harry made his second pass over the Gryffindor stands, he caught a quick glimpse of Hermione
as he passed. Her face was white and her fingers where gripping the railing in front of her so
tight that you could see the blood flush from her hands. Harry’s stomach dropped as he remembered
his promise to her to be careful, “I’m sorry Hermione, but I have to.” Malfoy was only inches from
the tail of his broom now. He gripped the handle tightly and jerked in up again. Draco sailed past
him and Harry came to a dead stop. He couldn’t bring himself to look at her; the look he was sure
to see in her eyes would hurt too much.

When he finally cleared his thoughts and took in his surroundings, Gryffindor had scored two
more goals. So the score was now 50-0. *‘Also most there just 10 more points and the Snitch.*
*I better start looking for it,’* he thought to himself.

To say Malfoy was pissed would be an understatement. He dove toward the Slytherin goal post to
Millicent, “What the hell are you doing! They’re kicking our ass! You better not let one more goal
in you hear me!?”

She couldn’t keep eye contact with Draco. “Yes, yes sir,” she said cringing in fear.

He flew away mumbling curses under his breath on his way to the center of the field, “Crabbe,
Goyle get your asses over here NOW!” Like the good little lap dogs they were, they were there in a
flash. They got into a quick huddle where Malfoy laid out his plan to them.

With Creevey out of the game, now the Slytherin Chasers had them out numbered on the field and
continued to strip the Quaffle from Ginny and Seamus. Their efforts to score on Ron doubled now.
Dean and Neville pulled back towards him to try and repel the endless attacks on him. Something was
wrong Harry could feel it. The team’s confidence was shattered when Dennis was hurt. The look in
Ginny’s eyes was not that of determination, but that of fear. Not of being hurt, but that they
could very well loose this match the one that counted the most. Ron was getting worked up into a
frenzy. His hair was wild matching the look in his eyes that screamed ‘COME ON! I’M READY!’

Just then from high above, Malfoy broke into a hard curving dive towards the pitch. Harry didn’t
need to think twice it was now or never. Hugging the broom handle he took off after him. The sounds
off the crowds melted away as his tracked Draco. The only things he could hear was the flapping of
his cloak and the faint whistling sound his glasses made when the winds passed over the frames.

*“Malfoy has seen the Snitch he’s going for it! This could be over . . . Potter is way out of
position now, but is closing fast!”*

Hermione nearly jumped out off her seat, “Come on Harry! GO, GO, GO!” Colin Creevey’s camera was
in overdrive trying to catch the action. It was flashing so fast it was like a strobe light. Soon
the whole of Gryffindor was chanting, “Potter — Potter — Potter!” As they started stomping their
feet in time with the rhythm the whole seating tower started to shake. Hermione started to feel
queasy and had to sit down, but just as she did, something caught her eye. Again Goyle cracked the
Bludger hard up field to Crabbe. Her eyes watch in horror as Crabbe smacked the Bludger with all
his might straight at Harry. “Oh no… NO,” she screamed at the top of her lungs!

Harry was no more then five feet off the ground now and closing on Malfoy fast when he did
something very odd. Draco turned his head around and flashed Harry a very evil smile and said,
“Gotcha.” Before his brain registered what Malfoy had just said, he was hit from behind. It felt
like the Hogwarts Express had just hit him in the back. His whole body ignited with pain and he
lost his grip and fell. Again he didn’t hear or see anything as he pulled himself in to a ball
bracing for the impact. Lucky enough he wasn’t that high in the air, but he was moving very fast.
When he hit the ground, his body bounced then came to a sliding stop face down in the grass.

The cheering crowds now broke in to cries of foul, penalty, and curses. No one but Lavender and
Parvati noticed the stone statue Hermione had become. They wrapped their arms around her trying to
tell her that it would be ok, and that Harry would be all right. Her whole body trembled and tears
rolled down her cheeks as she watched Harry just lay there face down in the grass not moving. She
couldn’t seem to bring herself to speak; only parts of words and sounds escaped her tightly closed
lips.

When Harry finally opened his eyes everything was black. He pushed himself up on very shaky arms
and sat up on his knees trying to get his eyes to focus. Everything was moving in slow motion and
sounded like he was underwater. Someone hopped off a broom in front of him and waved a hand in
front of his face to get his attention. Madam Hooch looked at him in amazement that he was still
awake. She looked right into his eyes and asked, “Are you ok? Do you need to sit out?” Slowly he
shook his head ‘No’ and stood up on wobbly legs.

Almost the whole stadium cheered in approval when he did this, but no one was more relieved than
Hermione. To Lavender and Parvati’s relief, she started to breath again holding her head in her
hands. Lavender gave her a tissue to clean herself up, “See he’s fine. Don’t worry, it’ll take more
then that to drop Harry.” Parvati rubbed her back and nodded in agreement to this.

When Harry was able to think straight again two things where clear to him. First, the wounds on
his back had now been reopened, and they where bleeding again. Lucky for him, they were under his
cloak and Madam Hooch couldn’t see them or she would pull him out of the game immediately. Second,
was that almost all feeling in his right hand was gone. To move it set waves of pain through his
shoulders and back muscles as well. His mind was racing with panic, *‘How can I catch the Snitch
now? Damn it! . . . just calm down—shit! Gonna have to do it left handed.’* He was covered in
several small cuts and bruises, but he didn’t care. Harry’s eyes started to scan the field quickly
looking for his broom. When he saw his Firebolt it was all the way across the pitch, but something
else caught his eye at the same time. The Snitch was floating high and to the right of the
Gryffindor seating tower.

Ignoring the pain he broke in to a dead run at the stands. The whole time with his left arm out
and said, “Accio Firebolt!” Malfoy noticed this and started looking around for the Snitch
franticly. As the unmanned Firebolt streaked towards Harry he leaped into the air landing right on
top of it. Holding on for dear life, Harry pulled into the air after the Snitch.

Malfoy caught sight of the Snitch and started after it. When he passed over his teammates he bit
down on his lip and gave a high-pitched whistle. All three Chasers charged the goals. Parkinson
tucked the Quaffle into her arms as tightly as she could and charged ahead. Nott turned around to
the Goal so fast that he nearly knocked Dean off his broom when he passed him. When Ron saw all
three of the Chasers coming at him at once he knew what was next, “Damn!”

As Harry streaked straight up towards the Snitch, Malfoy zoomed in along side him with a hard
bump. Harry smashed back into him with his legs hitting Draco right in the face. He lagged behind
for a second or two, and when he came back alongside Harry he could see that he must have broken
his nose when he kicked him. Blood was pouring out of his nose like a river, splattering all over
his green robes.

The Snitch was only a few feet away now and took off towards the other end of the field. Harry
and Draco where forced to make a sharp 45-degree to follow. Harry had no problem keeping up with
it, but when Malfoy tried to turn he couldn’t. The angle was too deep and he smashed right into
Harry sending him bouncing off the Gryffindor stands. Harry spiraled into the air above the seating
box hanging on as tight as he could. Malfoy went sailing off over the lake completely out of
bounds. Harry pulled himself so tightly to his broom his arms flooded with such burning pain his
eyes watered. He broke the spin and dived towards the pitch and the Snitch. Just out of the corner
of his eye he could see Ron fighting off all three Chasers at once. He held firm with his right
hand on the handle and stretched out with his left for the Snitch, “Hang on Ron, please!”

The Snitch’s little gold wings moved so quickly he couldn’t see them, but could only feel them
as they touched his finger tips and then it shot farther forward out of reach. “Faster . . . Faster
. . . Come on!” He screamed bucking the broom with his legs, as it would make it move faster.
Suddenly he felt a strong surge of power from the Firebolt and it blasted forward faster then he’d
ever gone before. His hand nearly crushed the Snitch’s wings right off, he had grabbed it so
hard.

Harry raised his hand in triumph to the cheering crowds, but when he spun around to show his
teammates he was met with a very different scene then he expected. Madam Hooch was shooting bright
yellow sparks in the sky and blowing her whistle loudly. Harry drifted over towards the Gryffindor
side of the pitch.

“Potter has the Snitch, Ladies and Gentleman, I think this is over,” Oliver Wood screamed at the
crowd! “Hang on there Wood I think we have a foul over by Weasley’s goal post,” Marcus added in a
very serious tone.

Harry made his way towards where Hermione was sitting slowly watching the action unfold at the
goal. He thought maybe he should go over there and see what this was about, but he was starting to
feel very tired and the only thing he could think about right now was her. Hermione was watching
him the whole time with a very happy looking smile plastered on her face. While Harry increased his
altitude to get to her height Madam Hooch blew her whistle and pointed down to the Slytherin goal
posts.

*“There you have it people. Penalty shot for Gryffindor,”* Wood commented in a very pleased
voice.

Marcus sounded a little more surprised though. *“This is defiantly out of the norm Oliver. The
Snitch is caught and the game should end, but Madam Hooch is still going to allow the penalty to be
taken.”*

Oliver noted, *“Well this isn’t the first time Slytherin has been penalized for ‘Stooging’
this year. I think she’s trying to set an example here today to future players, this kind of
behavior will not be tolerated at Hogwarts.”*

Marcus nodded in agreement. *“Yes I think your right. So the Penalty is as follows; 20 points
will be deducted from the Slytherin score, but they haven’t scored today so that put them in at
negative 20 now. Plus the lead Gryffindor Chaser gets one penalty shot at the goal.”*

Wood sounded like he was going to jump out of his set now he was so happy. *“So with the
Snitch already caught Gryffindor and Slytherin are tied for the Cup right now.”*

*“It all rests on the skills of Ginny Weasley. If she makes It, Gryffindor keeps the
Cup.”*

The rest of the team rallied around Ron as he was wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.
They all were patting Ron on the back and cheering at Ginny as she slowly coasted over to the
center of the pitch looking very nervous. She looked over to Harry who simply gave her an
encouraging nod as he floated up towards where Hermione was. In increasing rhythm all of the
Gryffindor fans started chanting to the Slytherin stands,

“Stomp~Stomp~Clap “We will, We will, Rock You!” Stomp~Stomp~Clap”*

Even with Harry’s now increasingly foggy thoughts, he couldn’t help but be pleased by all the
support the fans had given them today. Looking over the stands he could see all the faces that
filled the halls of Hogwarts daily, but also the happy faces of their families and friends. It made
him feel good that everyone could enjoy life again without fear of some insane boogey man coming
back to life and robbing them of their happiness. When he came back to Hermione’s gaze the look in
her eyes warmed his frigid limbs. Then she did it again. She gave him that look that said,
*‘Harry, please try and pay attention.’*

Madam Hooch handed the Quaffle to Ginny with a smile and said, “Good luck dear.” Ginny gave her
a small nod, but never broke her stare at Millicent who was doing the same. Millicent rolled her
head around on her shoulders, cracking it with several small pops. Ginny wasn’t impressed as she
bounced the Quaffle around in her hands, thinking for a second.

Harry shot Ron a concerned look, but Ron merely rolled his eyes back, *‘Girls!’* Somewhere
from behind him Harry heard the voices of Fred and George as they screamed Ginny’s name. He should
of expected that the whole Weasley clan would turn up today and again thought how good it would be
to have a family like them.

When Madam Hooch blew her whistle Ginny flattened completely on her broom and tore through the
air so fast Harry thought he saw a little shock wave ripple in the air. She didn’t arc or turn, but
flew straight to Millicent who’s face was as focused and still as a rock. Her legs wrapped around
the handle of her broom tightly, and she held her arms out wide ready to block. A low roar was the
only sound to escape from Ginny as she got close to Millicent.

Just when the whole crowd thought Ginny was simply going to ram Millicent, she swung under her
broom hanging upside down. They passed each other by mere inches, and Ginny summoned all of her
strength as she released the Quaffle through the goal.

“GOAL!!”

“ GRYFFINDOR WINS!!”

“She makes it look so easy out there. Unbelievable shot by Weasley! Gryffindor holds on to the
Cup for another year!!”

The whole stadium exploded with cheers, fireworks shot into the air, no doubt from Fred and
George. The energy in the air almost crackled with joy, it consumed them all. Harry couldn’t help
but smile as he watched Ginny corkscrewing through the air back to her teammates. He knew he should
go to them too, but this was a Weasley victory. The last thing he wanted to do was steal Ron’s
limelight, and again the overpowering desire to sleep hung over him. There was one last thing he
had to do before he went down though.

Lavender, Parvati, and Hermione clapped furiously as the team smothered Ginny in hugs. Hermione
was ready to start running down the steps to the pitch when she saw Harry flying towards the
stands. He looked only at her as he approached, ignoring Colin’s flashing camera.

When their eyes locked it was as if the whole stadium melted away. Hermione again felt that
flying feeling she had in the Hospital wing this morning. She walked right over to the edge of the
box waiting for him. He floated along side turning in to the tailwinds that whipped past them.

There was nothing to say, it was all right there in his face. The sadness for the fear he caused
her, the happiness for his friends and teammates, but most of all the desire for her touch. His
lips twitched a bit in anticipation. She wasted no time in leaning forward, more then she would
have liked, to close the gap between them. Gently she ran her fingers through his hair to the back
of his head pulling him to her. His chapped lips met her moist soft ones and she was surprised by
how cold he was. Her tongue probed forward begging for entry, but instead his head rolled to the
side. She was about to protest, but then noticed how soggy and wet his cloak felt. She withdrew a
little bit and Harry’s head rolled backwards on his shoulders. Confused she pulled her hand back
and sucked in a sharp breath at the sight of it. Her hand was covered in thick dark red blood. She
threw her arms around his neck trying to pull him into the box as hard as she could and screamed,
“Help me! Someone please!”

Lavender and Parvati gasped and tried to help her, but just then Hermione was pulled over the
side of the box. Lavender who had a small handful of her robes almost went over too, but Parvati
stopped her. Lavender watched helplessly as Harry and Hermione fell towards the pitch,
“HERMIONE!”

Before she knew what was happening Harry was falling from his broom and she was too. She refused
to let go of him as they plummeted to their doom. She did the only thing she could and wrapped her
arms around his chest as tightly as possible. As she let the tears flow from her eyes she was
happy. Happy for a second that she was with him, she couldn’t dream of a world without Harry.
That’s when she heard a deep raspy voice in her head that screamed to her.

*“APARATE!”*

For a second she thought it was Sir. . .

*“APARATE NOW!”*

She tightened her hold on Harry and with all the strength she could summon. She focused on
Aparating to the Hospital wing.

~Crack! ~

*

*

*

*

~Crack! ~

When Hermione opened her eyes she was back in the Hospital wing again. Looking down at Harry in
her arms she let it all out, and with a short scream started to cry. She shook him trying to wake
him up, but he didn’t.

Through her tears she watched the dark blood flow on the floor and she cried, “Wake up! Please
Harry, come on.”

In her frustration she pounded his chest with her fist, “You can’t leave me! Don’t you quit on
me you bastard!”

She collapsed down on top of him holding on to his jumper, “You can’t leave me Harry . . . I
need you.”

She lay there weeping and the sound of the Golden Snitch’s wings made her open her eyes. The
Snitch with its one broken wing floated in the midday’s sun that poured through window. As she
lowered her head the gloved hand of Harry stopped it. She looked down to him with hopeful eye,
“Harry?”

His eyes cracked open and he flashed her a weak smile, “Well I guess you figured out how to
apparate. Lesson one completed.” Through all her tears she couldn’t help but laugh a bit, “You
stubborn idiot! You almost got us killed!” He simply stroked her face wiping away the tears, “Sorry
about that luv.”

She tried to be mad at him, but when she looked into his eyes, all the anger washed away. He was
alive and so was she. There was nothing that could ever separate them now. They were both of the
same heart now; two souls sharing the same heart, same mind, together forever.

Fin~

:for now:

****Quidditch Cup Kiss illustration****

http://www.boomspeed.com/muddgutts/QCkissHC.jpg