Story: War
Chapter: 21
Rating of Chapter: R
My other Fics: Stress, Wake Me From This Nightmare, Psychokinesis, Forlorn
Beta: Cheryl
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. The only things I own are the plot, any characters, spells etc that you do not recognize.
Author Notes: Thank you for all the wonderful feedback from the last chapter; your reviews are greatly appreciated. Thanks again to my beta Cheryl, who helped a hell of a lot with this chapter. Two more notes:
I strongly suggest you read the song lyrics later, because they are in a way Harry's thoughts.
Secondly, well I'll save this for the bottom author notes otherwise the chapter will be given away.
Chapter 21: Take It While You Can
The following morning all the students that remained for the Christmas break were quietly seated in the Great Hall. The decorations from the previous festivities removed. This was supposed to be the usual Christmas luncheon, however, the atmosphere carried a more sombre edge as Dumbledore rose to make an announcement. Harry noticed an unusual sight; Felipe was seated with his head in his hands, apparently crying. Harry wondered why he was crying and what this announcement all about?
All eyes were focused on Dumbeldore he had a regal air about him in his stunning dark red robes shining in the light cast from the magical ceiling. His once twinkling eyes over bright and brimming with tears. As Harry carefully paid attention, he couldn't help but fear the worst. Dumbeldore cleared his throat and began "It is with great regret and deep sadness that I inform you of the untimely death of Miss Lizzy Likkle." Dumbeldore paused as the crowd collectively gasped and a sudden chill fell over the room. "Lizzy was a fine Ravenclaw seventh year student and was loved and respected by many. She will truly be missed." Harry closed his eyes in both grief and guilt. At this point Felipe jumped from his seat and fled the room half screaming half crying as the remaining crowd sat in stunned silence.
*
The grief over Lizzy's death hung in the air putting an end to the usual Christmas activities. New Year's had come and gone with barely a notice. The Gryffindor Common Room once bustling with activity was now quiet. Harry sat on the sofa in front of the fire Hermione on his left and Ron on his right. No one was talking. No explanation as to the cause or circumstances surrounding Lizzy's death was provided which left the students to their own speculation. The tension in the room was so thick with fear, guilt and grief you could almost cut it with a knife. Shock and guilt ran through Harry like blood coursing through veins. The way they had treated Lizzy that night was logged in his memory. Although it was Seamus who had said the words Harry hardly disagreed with that Seamus had said.
Hermione was painfully aware of the guilt-ridden expression carved on Harry's face as she took one of his hands in hers. Students would be returning to Hogwarts today and classes were set to resume tomorrow. Hermione convinced Harry to take her out for one more flying lesson. Merlin knows she needed the help and Harry needed the distraction.
*
Harry and Hermione stepped onto the empty snow covered Quidditch pitch. Harry had on his Gryffindor gear and Hermione had borrowed one of the back up school kits. The welcome distraction helped clear their minds and the couple concentrated on the lesson. "Are you ready?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded. "Okay, first off. Don't go as high as you did last time, there is no need to go much above the goal posts. So first we will try to just fly at an average height."
Harry and Hermione stood side by side, their legs draped over each side of their respective brooms. They both kicked off and took up into the air. Naturally Harry rose perfectly on his Firebolt, as Hermione was a little shaky on the school broom. Once she met up level with Harry he flew around slowly in circles as Hermione did her best to follow suit. Hermione's confidence grew and she successfully followed Harry's instructions with only a few minor glitches.
"Well done honey," called Harry. Hermione blushed slightly. Harry had never called her that before. "Right, just wait a second." Harry hovered down to the ground and returned with a wooden bat and a black bag in his hands. "I've got some bludgers here." Noticing Hermione's panic-stricken face Harry continued quickly. "Don't worry, I've charmed them. If one gets within two inches of you, by that point you should have ducked it anyway. But, if one does, it will disintegrate instantly. It will help teach you balance."
"I'm impressed."
Harry smiled and pulled one bludger out of the bag, before tossing it into the air and smashing it towards Hermione, she didn't react quickly enough and the bludger disintegrated before her eyes. "Try again." He hurled another one towards her and again it disintegrated. Third - disintegrated. Fourth - disintegrated. Harry glided over to Hermione and looked at her deeply. "Come on Hermione, I know you can do this. Just keep all your attention on the bludger."
Harry flew back opposite Hermione and she did all she could to focus on the bludger, despite being distracted by how cute Harry looked in his Quidditch uniform. Harry sent another bludger flying towards Hermione and she managed to duck her head in time for it to sail behind her. Harry beamed and so did she. But he didn't wait around and fired off four more consecutive bludger's at his girlfriend, all of which she neatly avoided. Harry flew over to her quickly and placed a surprisingly firm kiss on her lips that she gladly accepted. "Well done."
"Thanks."
"We'll stop there today, you've done really well and I'm exceptionally proud of you." Harry tapped her playfully on the nose before kissing her where his hand had been - a welcome distraction indeed.
*
Later that evening Ginny made her way down two corridors before turning right towards the room she was looking for. She was anxious to meet Draco in the Room of Requirement to exchange Christmas presents, as they were unable to get together until now. They both required the same thing so they would have no problem sharing the room. As she approached the portrait of Barnabas the Balmy a BDMS soldier stopped her in her paths. "Where are you going?" it asked, it's voice blank and simple.
"The Room of Requirement."
"That room is being occupied, leave now." the soldier commanded.
"But I'm meeting somebody in there, I'm allowed in," she protested. As she began to walk past the soldier flung out an arm to block her. She attempted to push her way through but the soldier shoved her forcefully, her head crashing into the stonewall as she fell to the ground. The soldier showed little concern and left the corridor.
Draco entered the hall after hearing a loud thud to find Ginny lying on the floor. There was no one else in the hall. Draco rushed to Ginny's side carefully turning her over there was blood on her right temple where her head must have hit the wall, her eyes were closed and she was pale. "Ginny…wake up!" Draco pleaded. Ginny didn't respond. Draco tried not to panic as he scooped Ginny into his arms and ran to the hospital wing.
*
Harry and Hermione joined Ron and Draco in the hospital wing. Ginny was still unconscious her head wound cleaned and bandaged. Madam Pomfrey had diagnosed Ginny with a severe concussion and that she would most likely fully recover. Harry, Hermione, Ron and Draco were gathered around Ginny looking upon her anxiously. Draco clutched Ginny's cold hands while an overwhelmed Hermione gradually backed off while taking a seat across the room.
Suddenly it came to Harry, placing a comforting hand on Draco's shoulder Harry said, "Draco, do you think you and Ron could step out for a minute? Maybe grab something to eat?" A heart broken Draco looked uncertainly at Harry. "Trust me," implored Harry, "Let me and Hermione try and talk to her." Ron nodded and moved to guide Draco to the door stating, "We'll be right back." Draco didn't protest and together they left the hospital wing.
Hermione had moved from the chair back to Ginny's side and was now holding her hand and staring lost in thought. "Hermione I have an idea." No response. "Hermione?" Harry tried to move closer to her but she sprang out of reach and bolted for the door then she was gone. Harry's first instinct was to follow after her but he stopped himself. He moved back to Ginny just as Madam Pomfrey was approaching. "I'll be back in a few moments I need to brew some more potion for Miss Weasley." Harry nodded with a smile watching the door click shut behind Madam Pomfrey.
He then turned his attention back to Ginny, placing a hand under her chin and another on her left cheek. He closed his eyes turning his thoughts solely to Ginny. He heard a slight wince as the yellow orb erupted between his hands. He then opened his eyes and saw Ginny's face full of colour and her eyes open in bewilderment. "Where am I?" she gasped. Harry smiled and ushered her to stop speaking.
"It's okay, everything's fine," he said softly. Madam Pomfrey hurried back thinking she had heard Ginny's voice and her eyes widened in shock.
"What happened?" she asked.
"I don't know she just came to."
Ginny tried to sit up just as Draco and Ron returned to the hospital wing. Draco rushed over to Ginny taking her face in his hand, "you're okay," he whispered as he kissed her soundly on the lips. Ron looked on realising the sod really did love his sister. Harry very gradually eased his way towards the door while Ginny shot him a confused glance. "What did you do?" mouthed Ginny, but Harry just smiled and quickly made his exit.
*
Harry headed to the main Gryffindor common room up to the prefect one knowing Hermione would be there. He unlocked the door and entered the room where he spied Hermione sitting quietly in an armchair.
"Hermione, why did you leave?" he walked over to the sofa to sit beside her.
"First Lizzy…I didn't really know her, but when I saw Ginny lying in that hospital bed and Draco looking so devastated…it made me think." She looked lost tears filling her beautiful brown eyes, "It made me realise that we don't know how much time we have."
"It's okay I healed Ginny." Harry responded softly.
Hermione nodded. "I'm glad…but that's not entirely my point." Harry looked at her unsure for a moment. Hermione moved in closer and began placing soft kisses against Harry's jaw instinctively he wrapped his arms around her as she reached his mouth pouring every feeling, every emotion all her love into that kiss. Still unsure Harry pulled away, "Hermione?"
"Harry I need you, show me how much you love me…before it's too late." replied Hermione looking intently into his deep green eyes.
Harry's mind was racing as his body reacted to her touch, `what did she mean, she can't be ready, its too soon…if I don't stop this now I won't be able to…' Harry looked into Hermione's chocolate brown eyes searching for answers when another question came to him.
Five For Fighting - 100 Years - Copyright © 2004 Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
I'm 15 for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
I'm 22 for a moment
She feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars
15… there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose
15…there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live…
I'm 33 for a moment
Still the man but you see I'm a they
A kid on the way
A family on my mind
I'm 45 for a moment
The sea is high
And I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life
15… there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose yourself
Within a morning star
15… I'm all right with you
15… there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live…
Half time goes by
Suddenly you're wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on...
I'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
15… there's still time for you
22… I feel her too
33… you're on your way
Every Day's a new Day
15… there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15… there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live
Harry had is answer he smiled nervously. "Okay, what about…"
"Taken care of…I brewed a potion last week it is good for three months." Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise once more. Needing no more coaxing Harry swept Hermione up into his arms and carried her to her dorm room never taking is eyes from her.
Upon entering Harry kicked the door closed with his foot and quickly cast a locking spell and a silencing charm. He gently put Hermione down and pulled her close to him. He placed soft kissed against her neck and cheek while still holding her tightly. As his hands wove between her thick locks they moved slowly towards the bed. Harry sat down in front of the pillows. Hermione then climbed onto the bed and straddling his lap as the temperature in the room seemed to suddenly rise. Their lips now firmly locked as their robes were beginning to be too much in the heat.
Their lips continued to duel as Harry's heart started beating at an electrifying rate. Hermione's legs remained wrapped around his waist and her quidditch robes beginning to fold open. Harry didn't want to rush and did all he could to slow down he gently nudged Hermione off him. He laid her on her back opposite him and manoeuvred himself on top of her. He gazed down into her trusting eyes, "Are you sure you want to continue?"
"Harry, make love to me."
With that encouragement Harry then lifted himself back up and tore off his robe as Hermione did the same. Harry turned her around so that her back folded neatly into his chest. He then slowly trailed more loving kisses on the back of her neck while holding her firmly. She rocked her head back closing her eyes moaning with the feeling.
He continued teasing her with his kisses before she turned around to face him. His mouth met her again this time with their tongues meeting. Her taste drove him mad and he wanted more consumed with passion for the beauty before him. With a small burst of courage he carefully moved a hand to her blouse and fiddled with the buttons. His hand started to shake when Hermione reached up to help him finish. As the blouse fell back his mouth fell open in awe of her body.
She was so fragile, perfect in Harry's mind. He couldn't help but admire her full breasts nestled in her lacy pink bra. Harry licked his lips slightly as he suddenly became all too aware of his own arousal. Hermione then reached over to undo Harry's shirt while kissing him this time they fell back onto the bed with Hermione on top. They both giggled as the fall took them by surprise relieving the nervous tension somewhat. Hermione continued to undo Harry's shirt buttons and then pulled his shirt back.
Harry watched as Hermione sat up to unclasp her bra letting the straps fall off her shoulders and toss it aside. Hermione smiled as she felt Harry's reaction to this. She slowly reached down to unfasten her skirt when Harry stilled her hands, she looked up confused but he simply finished the job of removing her skirt himself. She moved over and brushed her hand over his pants to tug at the button swiftly she pulled of the pants taking his boxers with them.
It was Hermione's turn to be in awe Harry was beautiful and he was hers. Soon they were kissing again with all consuming passion; the only thing between them was lacy pink knickers. With one last look of reassurance between them Harry reached up looping his fingers around the soft elastic and then they were gone.
Together they made love, showing each other how they felt filling a void and their need. Harry and Hermione became one, it was pure magic.
Lying on his side Harry took Hermione's left hand and caressed the ring resting on her finger "I love you."
"I love you more."
"That's not possible."
This was right this was perfect this was forever.
Author Notes: The lines "I love you." "I love you more," and "That's not possible" are from an American soap opera (General Hospital - Luke and Laura ~ according to my beta) and used by Angie J in the fic Paradise Lost. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, please review.
Second note - this is my first lemon, so please be kind.