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War Within A Breath by Muddgutts
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War Within A Breath

Muddgutts

Title: War Within a Breath

Author: Muddgutts

Rating: R

Ships: H/Hr

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Chapter 12

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Aurors swarmed in from all directions towards the rampaging giant, popping up on every inch of rooftop and alleyway that wasn't smashed to pieces by the rampaging giant as he closed in on Gringotts bank. By the time Kingsley and Atticus reached the edge of the battle the night sky was glowing with spells ricocheting in every direction off of the giant's skin. The Aurors of squad six started raining down waves of freezing cold wind at the beast, while squads 3 and 12 began summoning bright bolts of lighting from the heavens.

The giant's outer fur vest froze and shattered into pieces from the chilling winds, but that didn't slow him down in the least. Reaching behind himself, he ripped the roof off a nearby store one handed. He was raising the rooftop above his head to smash it against the defensive shields around Gringotts when the lighting hit. Four bolts arched through the clouds and joined when they connected at his raised arms. His body convulsed momentarily, causing the section of rooftop to drop from his hands and crash into the middle of the street sending Aurors running for cover.

Kingsley's relay crystal hummed loudly over the noise of the battle, "Flight team BRAVO coming in on attack run! Clear the area!" Atticus spun around quickly looking to the heavens, and there just above the clouds four Aurors on high-speed brooms streaked through the night in a V formation. Hugging their brooms tightly one-handed and aiming with the other they broke from the clouds towards the giant.

"INCOMING! Take cover!" Atticus screamed to the clusters of Aurors attacking the giant. Everyone within the path of the approaching flight teams apparated back about 20 feet as the flying Aurors broke through the large wafting clouds of black smoke filling the air from burning buildings.

Just as Bravo team was on their final approach the giant turned to face them. His fists balled, and his whole body tensed when he gave off a booming roar that echoed down Diagon Alley. In perfect unison Bravo team sent four shimmering globes of magical energy down towards the giants feet. He stepped back a bit, but when the spells hit the ground around him they burst open like four enormous water balloons. But there was no water inside of this spell - It was more like giant balls of glue that splattered all around the giant's legs and onto the buildings to his sides. The giant screwed up his eyes as he looked down at his legs. He tried to pull his feet free of the sticky mess, but the more he moved the tighter the glue gripped him.

The Aurors in the area started hooting and hollering in approval as they watched the giant struggle. A large grin spread across Kingsley's face as Atticus congratulated Bravo team over his relay crystal. "Great work Bravo team! He's not going anywhere now."

Snapping to attention Kingsley turned to Atticus and asked, "Sir, with your permission I'd like to go and see to my partner." Atticus watched the flight groups swing around for another pass on the giant before he turned to face Kingsley. Atticus wasn't a short man, but Kingsley was at least a full head taller then himself so he had to look up when speaking to him.

"Permission granted, Shacklebolt. Take a few men with you as well. Just to be sure." After a sharp salute Kingsley turned to leave when Atticus called out to him, "Oh and Shacklebolt, remember the muggles this time. I don't want to read about it in the papers. Make sure no one remembers a thing if they see you. Got it?"

"Yes sir, understood."

~*~

The sound of her heart pounding against her ribcage blocked all other sounds for Tonks as she sprinted towards the open front door. She could feel Lupin's teeth closing in on her as she took the last few strides to the porch in a bounce. She leaped from the porch spinning 180ยบ in the air raising her gun at the werewolf that was Remus Lupin. Tears ran down her cheek as she whispered, "I'm sorry . . ." Tonks rapidly yanked back the pistol's trigger, emptying the clip at the advancing werewolf.

Lupin snarled as he sprang off the walls and floor and continued to chase his prey through a hailstorm of silver bullets zipping past him down the hallway. One bullet pierced the thigh of his back left leg going clear through the other side, and he yelped in pain as he landed on the grass outside the front door of Grimmauld place. Displaying a certain amount of preprogrammed grace Tonks tucked and rolled onto her feet again when she hit the lawn.

With Hermione still in tow behind him Harry moved quickly over to the tree where Ron lay unconscious and stepped in front of him. Lupin showed no sign of stopping his rampage; a second silver bullet hit him and passed right through him, but the wound didn't heal this time. Furiously he turned on Neville and Ginny as they struggled to get Luna to her feet again. Using a banishing charm Harry knocked Lupin off his feet, sending him flying through the air and slamming the wolf into the side of the old gray house.

Tonks choked back a sob, her arms trembling as she took aim at Lupin with her pistol. "Get out of there quick!" she screamed to Neville and the others.

Harry's eyes went wide and he jumped in front of Tonks blocking her from Lupin, "NO! Don't shoot!" Tonks grabbed Harry by his forearm and was about to push him out of the way, but a calm soothing touch on her right shoulder made her pause.

"There's no need for that, Nymphadora," a soft voice said from behind her.

Her voice was so breathless as she turned and saw the smile on the headmaster's face, "Dumbledore . . ." With a twinkle in his eye Dumbledore floated past her to Harry who was still holding Hermione's hand tightly. The headmaster leaned forward a bit as he spoke to Harry. "I believe your Patronus will be very helpful about now, don't you think, Harry?"

Dumbledore's statement started a flood of images and thoughts racing through Harry's mind, and it all clicked. "Sirius, Lupin, Dad . . . Stag . . . friend!" Hermione could almost feel Harry focusing the happy thoughts inward as his hand tightened around hers. Resting her head against his shoulder, she hugged his arm as he raised his wand and shouted, "Expecto Patronum."

A great silvery stag sprang forth from the tip of his wand onto the lawn of number twelve Grimmauld Place. It stood majestically between Lupin and the others, shimmering in the light of the moon and catching Lupin's attention fully.

Wisps of silver light floated from the stag's body like fireflies in the night. Lupin hung his head low to the ground as he approached, whimpering softly. When he was close enough Lupin raised his snout towards the stag, but there was no scent. This was not his friend! Eyes narrowing, teeth flashing, he turned back to the group of people watching from behind the stag and leapt at them. His paws never reached the ground as his body was thrown into convulsions by the magic coming out of Dumbledore's wand.

Before anyone even noticed he was gone, Dumbledore had moved across the lawn and cast a Homorphus charm on Remus Lupin. The power of the charm surged through Lupin's body sending tingles from his nose all the way down to his tail. Harry was astonished as Lupin began to revert back into his human form before their eyes. Placing her pistol back in the waist of her jeans, Tonks started to unhook the clasp on her cloak. Behind Dumbledore, Neville and Ginny moved cautiously out from the bushes on to the lawn.

All the fur on Lupin's body disappeared, his paws grew fingers again, and his long bony snout returned to the shape of a normal human face. The light from Dumbledore's wand faded as the magic stopped, leaving a naked, unconscious Remus Lupin lying in the grass. Tonks swooped in quickly and covered him with her cloak. As she wrapped it around him she couldn't help but stare at the multitude of scars on his body. His chest and back were covered in long jagged scars from scratching himself. She now knew why he always wore a jacket or a jumper even in the summer. The sleeves covered deep bite makes up and down his arms too.

Everyone gathered around Tonks and Remus and looked to Dumbledore. Harry could see the same look of concern in his eyes he'd seen so many times before. His long white beard danced as he spoke. "Tonks I wonder if you would be so kind as to take Remus to St. Mungo's Hospital. I think they might want to have a look at his leg." Guilt burned in Tonks' cheeks before she gave a simple nod and apparated away with Lupin in her arms.

All around the group Aurors started apparating onto the lawn of number twelve Grimmauld Place. With wands drawn they started spreading towards the other houses on the street. Harry could hear a few shouts of fear as they knocked open the front door to number eleven, but it all stopped when he heard the Auror say, "Obliviate!" When he looked around to the other houses the same scene played out on every front porch of every house on the block. Whatever the Muggle residents had seen was gone, wiped away with the stroke of a wand. They would never remember this hot summer night when six teenagers stood against the edge of night, or how close the shadows had come to consuming them all.

Pressing her weight more onto Harry, Hermione started to tremble a bit until he wrapped his arms fully around her, supporting them both. She spoke softly with her face still pressed against his shirt. "Harry?"

Harry nuzzled her hair closer to her ear and held her tight. "It's okay, Hermione, we're leaving soon. Just lean on me." Her trembling slowed a bit as she threaded her hands together behind his back. "I'll never let you go, ever," he said kissing the top of her head.

~*~

Before Kingsley Shacklebolt and the other Aurors had finished cleaning up the mess in and around Grimmauld place, Dumbledore had portkeyed the teens away to the Hogwarts infirmary. Madam Pomfrey moved through the hospital wing at great speed still wrapped in her dressing gown, getting the teens properly into beds and mending wounds. Neville's and Ginny's wounds were quickly treated and they were sent to bed while the school nurse worked on Luna and Hermione with the utmost care. Ron lay in the bed next to Hermione. He looked like he was sleeping, but other than the big red bruise on his face, he didn't look like he was in much pain. Harry insisted upon staying with Hermione and Ron, but Madam Pomfrey wouldn't hear of it and tossed him out past the large wooden doors saying he could return in a few hours.

Harry was beside himself with worry as he paced back and forth in front of the hospital wing doors, eventually losing track of time. When Professor Dumbledore finally exited sometime later, Harry nearly threw himself at the headmaster, speaking rapidly. "Professor! How's Hermione? Is she going to be all right? I mean, will her eyes be all right? And Ron? He wasn't moving when I left. He's not seriously hurt is he?"

Dumbledore smiled at Harry over his half-moon glasses and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder to calm him. "Fine. They're all going to be fine, Harry. Relax."

Breathing a sigh of relief Harry closed his eyes closed momentarily before started talking again, "So Hermione will be able to see again?"

Leading Harry down the long hallway into Hogwarts, Dumbledore reassured Harry again, "Poppy has convinced me she has everything well in hand. She has a full batch of Optical-Grow on hand and she's sure Miss Granger will be better than ever in a few days. Mr. Weasley has a minor concussion, but should wake very soon."

"And Luna?"

Dumbledore averted his eyes to the floor as they walked. "Ms. Lovegood was poisoned from the cut to her left shoulder, but she will recover swiftly. She is a very strong girl, but I fear she will be taking some of Madame Pomfrey's more unpleasant tasting remedies for the next few days."

Harry stopped abruptly. "Professor, how did they find us? How could they get into Grimmauld Place like that? You said it was unplottable. That no one but people within the Order could get in? What went wrong this time?" His voice was accusatory and cold as he stared at the headmaster.

Dumbledore sighed and shook his head slowly. "Harry, you must understand magic is not a guaranteed art. There are many tricks and loopholes built into many spells. Some practitioners lace their spells with back door clauses in case their charms are used against them." Harry continued to watch him with curious eyes as they began to walk again. "The Black family placed the original charms on the house to make it unplottable. So I can only assume that Mrs. Lestrange discovered a way around the charms I had placed on top of the house."

"I see," Harry said softly, feeling very small next to Dumbledore, and was reminded of just how much he still had to learn from this great man. They walked for a while in silence until they reached the double doors of the Great Hall. "Does this mean we can never go back there now?"

"Well, not for some time at least. Just to be safe I would like to reconstruct the wards around the house and place a few new ones as well before we return," Dumbledore smiled at Harry. "But you will return there one day."

"Thank you, Professor," Harry said as his mind started to replay the night's events again, but more slowly this time. He had so many questions to ask he didn't know where to start.

"Now go and rest for a bit, Harry," Dumbledore said with a smile. "We'll have time to talk later. You and your friends will stay here at Hogwarts for the next two days before you leave."

"What? We have to move again? Why can't we just stay here on the grounds?" Harry yelled, surprise in his voice.

Dumbledore continued to stare at Harry, unmoved by the teen's outburst of emotion, "I'm sorry, Harry, but many members of the staff are away on missions for the Order. We all have our part to play in this war, Harry. It just wouldn't be wise to leave you here by yourselves." Harry sighed dejectedly, leaning against the wall. "Don't worry, Harry. I've arranged for all of you to spend the rest of the summer at the Weasleys'. The Order has placed several protection charms around their home, and I have increased the Order detachment protecting you."

The prospect of sending the rest of the summer with the Weasleys' lifted Harry's spirits a bit, but before he could get too excited about his good fortune, Dumbledore spoke softly to him with piercing eyes. "I have one last question before you leave Harry." Harry started to wipe his palms nervously on his jeans. "At any time during tonight did Voldemort try and make contact with you mentally?"

"You are a killer! Just like me."

"Murderer!"

"We are the same."

"That's why I chose YOU!"

Head spinning, Harry lost his balance and stumbled backwards, hitting the wall. Dumbledore placed his hand on Harry's shoulder, steadying him. When Harry's balance returned he sheepishly returned the headmaster's gaze, and when their eyes met it was like a shooting star coursing through his mind. He could feel Dumbledore probing his memories of the events of the past few days. The search was gentle and slow, unlike Snape's attempts to read his mind, but when Dumbledore starting getting close to his memories of kissing Hermione Harry's mind closed like a vault, forcing Dumbledore out.

Removing his hand Dumbledore stepped back a bit as a smile grew on his face. A small pulsing pain grew in Harry's temples as he stood up straight again, staring daggers at the headmaster.

Dumbledore nodded slowly as the twinkle returned to his eyes. "Impressive, Harry. You completely locked me out of your mind when I reached something you consider . . . private. Yes?" Harry frowned, but nodded yes. "I think it's time I took it upon myself to instruct you from now on in Occlumency."

Dumbledore continued to ramble on about mental discipline and such, but Harry's mind kept tripping over the fact that Dumbledore must have seen what he'd done tonight. Suddenly feeling very ashamed of himself Harry drew his clock around himself as if the act alone would mask the fact that he was only inches away from killing Bellatrix tonight.

As if he sensed Harry's uneasiness Dumbledore gave him a reassuring smile and patted him on the shoulder. "Go on now, Harry. Get some sleep and we will talk more after dinner tonight. I'm sure you want to get back to the hospital wing later when Poppy is allowing visitors again." Harry could only nod in agreement before taking his leave.

~*~

Like breaking two pieces of stale bread, Bellatrix opened her tear-crusted eyes to a dimly lit room that smelled of moldy cabbage and sweaty gym shorts combined. Scrunching up her nose Bellatrix looked around in disgust. The room was small and dark with only a single oil lamp near the door and no windows or vents of any kind. Long iron pipes rusting at the joints lined the ceilings from one end of the room to the other. They leaked water down the walls, causing them to blister and warp.

When she tried to move her arms Bellatrix could feel the ropes tighten around her body. That's when she noticed that her arms and legs were bound to an old wooden chair which was part of a set. Two other chairs sat off in the corner of the room next to an equally old wooden table, at which a man sat with his back to her eating. He had long blond hair tied in a ponytail that ran down the center of his back over his pitch-black robes.

Bellatrix knew right away who it was. It had to be him. He always seemed to have a craving for fish and chips after a mission. Something about the malted vinegar combined with sea salt calmed his nerves. Forcing the word from her bruised larynx Bellatrix's voice was raspy and dry. "Lucius!"

From the shadows near the door, a man she hadn't seen before stirred then moved into the light. Withdrawing his arms from the sleeves of his cloak Severus Snape moved forward.

"She's awake."

Wiping his mouth dry Lucius Malfoy rose from his chair and faced Bellatrix. He tossed the napkin to the table as a smirk grew on his face.

"Ah, see Severus. I told you she would be fine. No need for fancy potions to bring this one around. She's a grade A bitch. Tough as nails, and as dumb as a stump!"

"What's going on here, Malfoy?" Bellatrix's eyes flicked between the two men closing in on her. "When the master hears of this you're dead! You hear me - DEAD!"

Her words did little to persuade Lucius as he examined his fingernails, totally ignoring her. "Oh that's where you wrong, my dear. The master will never know of this little . . ." - he paused thinking of the proper words - "Interlude, if you will."

"You see, my trusty friend Severus here is very handy with memory charms. Did you know that?" Lucius smiled brightly and Snape gave her a courteous little bow. "I've had him watching you for some time now." Bellatrix stared daggers at Snape that would make a lesser man cringe in fear, but Snape displayed no emotion to her anger. "Oh yes, I know all about how you've been worming your way into the Dark Lord's favor, all the while poisoning my reputation behind my back."

"Bullshit! I've never done anything of the kind!" Bellatrix cried. "He's lying to you, Lucius."

Moving closer Malfoy screamed at her inches from her face. "SILENCE! I know everything about how you wanted to regain your place as his number one soldier ever since you got out of Azkaban! Don't play me for a fool!"

Snape withdrew his wand from his robes and stopped in front of her. "Shall I proceed?"

"What are you doing? No, don't!" Bellatrix's voice rose as panic boiled inside her heart. "Wait please, Lucius, wait-I could go away. I promise I, I could help you. Whatever you want . . ."

Standing up straight again Lucius flattened the folds of his robes and casually walked back to the table where his food awaited him. With his back turned to Bellatrix he gave the order, "Do it."

Snape leveled his eyes with Bellatrix's as a chill ran down her spine. With his wand raised Snape began to probe her mind, sifting through useless thoughts, pushing deeper and deeper into her mind. Beyond her time in Azkaban prison. Past her first meeting ever with the Dark Lord to her childhood, where her knowledge of the home on Grimmauld Place lay and how to find it. Unknown to Malfoy this was Severus's top priority - the removal of all knowledge that could lead the Death Eaters back to the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Once the memory was removed and destroyed Snape modified the rest of her memory of the night's events.

Bellatrix would now have no knowledge of Lucius's arrival at Grimmauld Place or anything that happened afterward. She slumped back in the chair, suddenly feeling very tired, but had no idea why or even where she was for that matter. Satisfied with his work Snape probed Bellatrix's mind quickly for any signs that it had been tampered with, and when he didn't find anything he turned back to Malfoy with a grin. "It's done. She'll never remember seeing us tonight."

Lucius paced back and forth across the room, eyeing Bellatrix as she faded in and out of consciousness. "How far back did you go? Will she remember the details of her plans tonight?" Lucius asked, quickly fingering his wand.

"Yes, she will remember everything up to the point when Potter started to strangle her. I've removed all her memories after that point," Snape answered slowly as if he was talking to a small child.

The potion master's sarcasm wasn't lost on Malfoy who turned on him suddenly as he spoke through clenched teeth. "Don't think you can speak to me in that tone, Severus. Just because the Dark Lord depends on your potion-making skills does not mean I need you in the same fashion." His fingers gripped the end of his wand as he locked eyes with Snape. "Now get back in there and remove it all."

"All of what?" Snape's voice was low and drawn out. "How much further do you want me to go?"

"EVERYTHING!" Malfoy spun around and blasted a large hole in the wall with a flick of his wand. "I want it all gone! ALL OF IT! I want you to completely wipe her mind blank!"

Snape stood his ground amid Malfoy's fury, trying to reason with him. "You can't do that! She'll be a vegetable like Lockhart if you do that."

"I don't care! That's the least I should do. I should kill her for what she's tried to do tonight." Malfoy's eyes flashed with intense hatred as he screamed. "If it wasn't for your little note I would be dead right now, or at the very least in prison because of her fucked-up plan."

"No," Snape replied, not moving from his spot. "I won't be part to this. She means too much to the Master. If he finds out we're as good as dead."

Malfoy chuckled, shaking his head. "We're already in too deep. There's no going back now Severus. We have to guarantee that she can never get in our way again." He paused for a second, waiting to see what the potions master would do. When Snape didn't make a move Malfoy became madder and stomped across the room drawing his wand.

"NO! WAIT!"

"OBLIVIATE!"

~*~

The Burrow

Three days later

The midday sun scorched the grass and baked the reddish clay dirt around the pond. Close to the eastern shore a cluster of large oak trees hugged the pond, their lush branches reaching out over the water and shading a large patch of land underneath. This had become the spot where Harry took Hermione to read every day since they had arrived at the Borrow. An old tire swing swung in the breeze. Its rope was frayed and the rubber treads where old and cracked, but it still worked. Harry smiled remembering the first summer he had ever spent at Ron's house. He remembered how they would run down the hill from the side of the Borrow and launch themselves onto that old tire-swing out over the lake. A small sigh passed his lips as he wondered if life could ever be that carefree again.

Hermione stirred from her position, turning towards him. Her eyes were still covered with a thin gauze bandage protecting them during the long process of re-growth. Madam Pomfrey had Hermione taking four different potions three times a day for the last three days, and wouldn't remove her bandages until the next night. Hermione tightened her grip on Harry's knee waking him from his daydream.

"Harry? Why did you stop?"

Coming back to the here and now, Harry repositioned the book on his lap. "Huh? Oh sorry where was I?" His fingers trailed down the page before him finding his spot on the page. Harry continued the tale of how the Fellowship of the Ring escaped the Mines of Moria as Hermione leaned against him. She snuggled up against him resting her head on his chest as he read aloud to her. It wasn't long after leaving the hospital wing that Hermione started to go mad with boredom after being robbed of her favorite pastime, reading. So Harry did the only thing he could do to calm her - he read. The reading so far had been History of Magic, Charms Grade 6, and Advanced Potions, but today he had convinced her to take a small break from academics with a novel he had found in Charlie's old room. He was sure she had read the book before because she continued to correct his pronunciation of all the main characters' names while he read, but she didn't mind hearing the story again. So Harry read and Hermione listened. They spent most of their days like this now.

The mornings were a matter of routine for the teens now as Mrs. Weasley took her proper place as mother hen. It didn't matter to her that it was summer. Promptly at 8 am every morning she would wake them for breakfast with her and Mr. Weasley. All were expected to help out in one way or another with the cooking or the cleaning. Cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner for seven people was a daunting task. Not that Mrs. Weasley couldn't handle the job of course, but it was nice to have help sometimes. To her surprise and Ron's increasing fascination, Luna was actually a stunning cook. Once the poison was flushed from her system by Madam Pomfrey's potions she was back to her uniquely normal self. She mentioned how, after her mother's death, she had taken control of the cooking in her house. Mrs. Weasley was most grateful for her help, and would cast small smiles at Ron as he watched Luna cook like a pro.

Ginny had become very quite after their escape from Grimmauld Place and their encounter with Remus. Harry noted how she tended to stay within close proximity to Neville at all times. Most of the time they lounged around in the living room or worked out in the garden picking vegetables for Mrs. Weasley. Ron on the other hand was a different story. He retreated into his room most of the day claiming to be working on his summer homework that he had not started yet. Harry had offered to help him, but he refused stating that he was perfectly capable of handling his own work without the help of anyone else. No matter how Harry twisted it he couldn't help but get the feeling that Ron was still a bit mad at him for how things turned out with Hermione. He knew Ron would work through it in his own way over time, but it didn't make him feel any better.

So Harry devoted all his free time to taking care of Hermione. After breakfast each morning they walked around the property for a bit of exercise. Then if the weather permitted they would laze around by the pond while he read to her from next year's spell books. Which is where they had wandered off to today.

Before the sun had passed over the surface of the pond Harry laid the novel aside. Hermione had fallen asleep a while ago, but he continued to read for a time just to make sure. Ever so gently he lowered her head from his shoulder down to the flannel blanket they rested upon. Brushing a rogue cluster of hair away from her face Harry sat and watched her sleep. This was starting to become a habit, he thought, lying down next to her. Propping himself up on one elbow he continued to study her mannerisms when she slept. Hermione's face relaxed into a peaceful smile. This face was so natural looking, so pure. It was much different from 'study' Hermione, or even 'bossy' Hermione. No, this one was different. This was her true face, and it was more beautiful than any he'd seen before.

His eyes examined every inch of her skin, marveling at its perfection and imperfection. Yes, lots of girls were prettier than Hermione, but that didn't matter to him. Her heart was bigger then all of the girls in Hogwarts combined. That was what had captured his heart in the end. When his eyes fell on the bandages over her eyes a lump began to rise in his throat. Before he realized it, small rivers of tears ran down his cheeks. Those terrible images of her falling in the Department of Mysteries flooded back to the front of his mind. They were slowly replaced with newer more disturbing images of her being hit with poison-tipped arrows from Bellatrix's wand. Clamping his eyes closed tightly, he desperately tried to lock those thoughts away in the deepest corners of his mind never to be seen again.

Unbeknownst to Harry in his state of self-torture his tears rained down onto Hermione's cheek. At first she thought it had begun to rain again, but when she heard Harry's soft moans she knew what was happening. Unable to see his face she slowly raised her hands above her and found his shoulder. With little effort she pulled him down to her, wrapping her arms around him.

"Harry? What's wrong-shh," she cooed tenderly, stroking his wild hair.

Harry's hands clung to her back desperately pulling her shirt taut around her chest. Choking back another sob Harry mumbled into her neck, "I've put you in so-much danger, Hermione. I ... I don't know what I would do if you had been . . ."

Hermione's embrace tightened around him. "Don't say it, Harry! Don't even think like that." She paused for a moment and placed a kiss on top of his head. "I'm not going anywhere, Harry."

"You can't," was all she heard as Harry's breath slid across her skin sending goose bumps down her back.

He released her and pushed himself upright. "Hermione, I have to tell you something."

Hermione nodded slowly, and with a little help from Harry she sat up and faced him. Harry's mind began to trip over itself now trying to think of a way to begin. When he felt her hands slip into the palm of his hand he found his courage. "I know what was in the Prophecy, Hermione."

"But, I thought you said it was destroyed?" Hermione questioned curiously.

The sound of squirrels rustling in the trees above pulled his eyes skyward as he spoke. "It was, but Dumbledore had a personal memory in his pensive about it. When we returned to Hogwarts that night he showed it to me."

Hermione edged closer crossing her legs in front of her. "What did it say?"

For a moment Harry was thankful he couldn't see her eyes right then. He was sure they would be blowing holes in his will to speak right now. Steeling himself Harry recited the words of the prophecy aloud. Surprisingly it felt good to do this. It felt therapeutic somehow.

About halfway through the prophecy Hermione's head hung low to her chest. Her shoulders sagged and Harry was sure that if she could Hermione would be crying right now. He was grateful that she couldn't; it would have made things that much harder for him to finish. For a few minutes Hermione said nothing, and Harry's thoughts started to back-peddle. 'What if she is freaked out? What if she doesn't want to be with me because of this?' A sickening feeling was growing in the pit of his stomach with every second she didn't speak.

Raising her head again, Hermione sucked in a small sniffle and adjusted her position sitting up straighter. "Right, well . . .we, I had a-a feeling it would come down to this . . ." she felt around in front of her until she found the copy of Lord of the Rings between herself and Harry. Her hands trembled a bit as she placed the book off to the side on the blanket. "No more fiction then. We're going to have to push ahead and cover as much as we can about dueling, Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, potions . . ." She continued to babble swiftly, mentally checking off all the different things they should do to conquer this new problem.

Hermione's reaction to this news didn't surprise Harry in the least. When in doubt hit the books, but it didn't make him feel any better either. He wanted to scream at her, to shout out loud, 'I could DIE! Don't you care?' but he didn't. He could tell just by her body language alone that she was terrified. She just didn't want to display any weakness that might give him the false impression that she didn't believe in him. That he might not walk away from this encounter. Harry knew very well that, in all likelihood, he would be killed by Voldemort, but right now he needed Hermione's touch. That feeling of her heart beating against his chest to let him know he wasn't dead just yet. He needed her bossy take-charge attitude that had never failed to pull his arse out of the fire before. She had a way of making him summon his inner strength in the process. She brought out the best in him.

With great force Harry threw his arms around Hermione, smothering her with his body. A tiny, "Eep!" passed Hermione's lips as Harry pulled her down to the blanket. For about half a second Hermione hesitated before starting to plant kisses on his forehead. "We can do this, Harry." She cupped his cheeks in her hands so he wouldn't move his head. "I know we can-I know you can, and you will," she slowly covered his lips with hers. Harry felt his courage being renewed with the power of her kiss. His lips responded, intensely hungry for more. Their hands squeezed and pulled at each other's bodies as they were swept away with this burning desire that coursed between them.

Breaking away for air Harry spoke in gasps blowing hot breath against Hermione's neck. "It doesn't-bother you-that one day I'll be a-murderer?"

Hermione slipped her slender hands out from inside of Harry's shirt and hugged him tightly. "Harry, this is war." Her voice was calm and determined now. "In war you don't murder the enemy. You kill them; it's you or them." She placed a blind kiss on his face missing his lips a bit. "Understand?"

Running his fingers through her tangled hair Harry uttered a breathless, "Yes." A relaxed smile grew on Hermione's face as she felt his fingers get locked in her hair. "Honestly Hermione, how long does it take you to tame this hair in the morning?"

Hermione gasped and made a sudden motion with her leg towards his privates making Harry flinch. "You're one to talk!" Playfully she started digging her nails into his back. "At least I can get mine to lay flat. . . sometimes."

"SSSHH Ouch! Ok, ok mercy! I'm sorry." Harry snaked his fingers from her hair down to her shoulders caressing her smooth tan skin. "I was only trying to lighten the mood a bit, but you crossed the line."

"What? You insulted my hair!"

"No, I just asked a question. You tried to knee me in the nards!"

Hermione made a small clucking sound with her tongue and quipped, "Oh I barely even came close, yah big baby."

With a smirk he knew she couldn't see he corrected her. "Ah, but you'll be surprised to know that even the mere threat of a strike to that region will send most men running in fear. So please, please. Don't ever do that again. Unless you want me to be childless for the rest of my days?"

Harry chuckled at his little joke, but Hermione wasn't laughing. She tucked her head in under his chin and whispered softly to him, "I'm sorry Harry. I didn't know it was so. . ." His body went ridged when he felt her dainty fingers begin to gently caress the area in question.

"Ohh, umm it's-all right." She gave a tender little squeeze and his voice hitched into his throat. "Hermione!"

She flashed him an impish grin and pecked his neck with her lips. "Yes, I can tell it's very-sensitive down there." Harry kissed the top of her head weakly, and she released him. "I'll make a note of that for future reference."

"HARRY! HERMIONE! Time for lunch!" Mrs. Weasley shouted from the backdoor of the Burrow.

"Ohh, just when things where getting good," Hermione moaned. Harry laughed and propped himself up pulling her along with him. She didn't let go of his hands as he stood so he could guide her up safely.

After placing a soft kiss on her forehead Harry gathered their belongings and laced his arm through hers. "Shall we?"

"If we must," Hermione replied, hugging his arm. Together they walked back to the Burrow as Hermione started forming study plans for them. Harry listened in quiet awe. Telling her about the prophecy made him feel better somehow. He was sure that they would find a way to overcome it together, just like all their other obstacles in the past. Sometimes he hated the gods for all the pain they laid in his path, but today he loved them. For they also given him the best partner in the world to walk that path with. Yes, today he loved the gods, and he loved her.

~*~

Sorry about the long wait for this up date, but RL is hell. I have only two words as defense.

Baby & moving. Have a great Holiday everyone.

Muddgutts