1. Teaser Chapter

Fanfic � Books � Harry Potter � Over the Edge text size: (+) : (-)Author: Moe 1. Teaser Chapter2. Blood on the Hands, Murder in the School3. False Accusing and True Confessions4. Complicated Reactions5. There's Something About Harry6. The Boy Who Killed7. Screams in the Night8. Hogsmeade, Diagon Ally, and TransfigurationR - English - Angst/Horror - Reviews: 25 - Publish date: 01-24-03 - Updated: 02-02-03 story id: 1198206document.write(''); Over the Edge

~ Poor Harry Potter. He started out in life as an orphan, then there's this wizard he knows as Lord Voldemort that is out to make him dead. Sure, he looks strong, and brave, but that's only on the outside. Harry's about to loose all sanity left in his mind, and those to suffer, are the students at Hogwarts. And only one person can do something to help, and that's Hermione.~

Silence, it was all around her, settling in her mind. Another late night in the common room, studying, alone with the fire of course. Hermione was indulged in her Charms textbook over one of the tables. There was an exam two weeks away, one she was fearing over nothing for.

Her mind startled when the portrait hole opened. So late at night, she had expected everyone to be asleep.

" Who's there?" Hermione whispered harshly.

" It's just me" Harry. He sounded exhausted and upset. She could tell from only three words.

" Oh, hello Harry" she greeted, closing the book, " where were you?".

He was trying to get away from her, " the bathroom".

Hermione rushed to block his path to the staircase, " for how long? I've been down here for awhile, I didn't hear you leave".

" That must have been it, good night".

She stopped him one last time for a friendly hug given on random occasions, " good night".

He quickly hugged her in return, then brushed past and went upstairs.

Foreshadowing Chapter Two- Why does Hermione wake in her bed the next morning with blood on her bed sheets?

Authors Note: It's short, yes, but that's why it's a teaser, for now and only now of course. Yes, I know, very many people cannot see Harry being the horrible person he will become in this story, but you'll see where he's coming from. Trust me, and give it a chance. Thanks!

2. Blood on the Hands, Murder in the School

Over the Edge

Chapter Two- Blood on the Hands, Murder in the School

The next morning was a Saturday, it was very quiet when she woke. Hermione opened her eyes, she was alone in the dorm room, everyone else had probably gone to the Great Hall for breakfast. She turned over, her hand landed in something cold and wet. Looking, it was covered in a deep red liquid. Blood. Hermione sat up, there was blood under her on the sheets as well as next to the pillow.

But it wasn't hers.

The blood wasn't coming from her, but something on her body. She was in the same clothes as the night before, going to bed late enough to not bother with changing. Hermione leapt out of bed and tore off her cloak, throwing it back on the mattress.

Running her hands across the cloth, blood covered every inch of her hands, it was soaked. She jumped back, gazing at her hands. She didn't know who's blood it was, or how it got on her cloak. And now, her hands. Hermione was panicking, she cleaned her hands on the cloak as fast as she could then covered it with the comforter. She then ran out of the dorm room.

Everyone, every student in Gryffindor, were crowded in the common room, buzzes of conversation all around. The first person to greet Hermione when she came downstairs was Ginny Weasley.

" What's going on?" she kept looking around.

Ginny looked horrified, " a student is dead", her eyes widened, " we have to stay in here".

" Dead?" Hermione gasped, " w-who was it?".

Ginny shrugged, " they haven't said, all we know is that it was a murder".

Hermione suddenly felt light headed and sick. The blood, in her room, in her bed, on her clothes, and now someone turns up dead. Worse yet, murdered.

Footsteps were heard in the portrait hole, and the room went silent. Professor McConagall appeared before them, with her everlasting facial expression.

" No student is to leave the common room until further notice, meals will be served here at their usual times. As for the tragic events of early this morning, any student with any information they may think is helpful is encouraged to write them down and give them to me. They will be passed on toProfessor Dumbledore. Any information at this time may help to find the person or people who are responsible for the death of Colin Creevey".

Everyone in the room gasped at least once. Ginny had tears in her eyes, sometimes Hermione had a way of absorbing her emotions when she didn't know how to react.

" Oh my god" Ginny cried, " I'm going to go talk to Dennis" she walked into the mob ahead.

Hermione went in the other direction, seeing Ron and Harry by one of the windows, alone.

" How weird is this?" Ron asked when he saw her coming towards them.

" It's so sad, I can't believe it, an innocent boy like Colin" she looked at Harry who was staring at the stained glass, " did you see anything? You were out last night".

Harry turned, " not a thing".

" I doubt anyone saw anything" Ron said. But Hermione was still focused on Harry, the way he was responding to things and how he wasn't very alert.

That's when she began to wonder, if she did have information, on who murdered Colin.

Foreshadowing Chapter Three- Who does Hermione think the murderer is?

3. False Accusing, True Confessions

Over the Edge

Chapter Three- False Accusing and True Confessions

Hermione spent the remainder of the day biting her fingernails and pacing around the dorm room. She had washed the blood away, but it was still engraved in her mind, she couldn't get it out of her brain. Hermione had a tendency to be delirious when studying so late, with growing exhaustion and a decreasing memory. It was a long shot, but also a possible one.

While everyone was getting prepared for bed, Hermione gave Harry a note, asking him to meet her in the common room after lights out. Lights out, that's where it all began. Along the day, Hermione found out some more details about the murder.

Colin died somewhere between midnight and three in the morning, the range of Harry returning to the tower and Hermione going to bed. Filch found him in the library, his throat had been slashed. There was no murder weapon, nothing, nothing was found. It could have been anyone, even Hermione.

She stood by the fire, waiting, like a stone statue. Hearing the click from a door upstairs, her eyes shot to the staircase where Harry came running down them.

" Are you alright?" he had a deep look of worry.

Hermione nodded, like she was afraid to do anything else, " if I tell you something, do you promise not to tell?".

The look deepened, " what? What is it?".

This was the one person, out of anyone, who she could trust. No matter what, but she still had to be sure. " Promise me".

" Yes, I promise".

She took a deep breath, " I think I know who killed Colin".

Now he looked scared, very scared, " w-who?".

" Me".

" What?" he sharply gasped.

" I think, I murdered him, I think there's a chance I may have when I was exhausted last night and...".

Harry gently grabbed her by the shoulders, " Hermione, listen to me, look at me. You did not kill anyone, okay? You did not murder Colin".

She began to tremble she was scared so much, " how? How do you know that?".

" Because, I did it".

Authors Note- Thanks for the reviews everyone, keep it up!!

Foreshadowing for Chapter Four- What's Harry going to tell Hermione and how will she take it?

4. Complicated Reactions

Over The Edge

Chapter Four-Complicated Reactions

" What?" Hermione gasped, she glared into the depths of his eyes.

Harry returned the stare, " I murdered Colin".

" Nice try Harry, but it's not making me feel better" she saw that he wasn't giving in, had it been a joke, " oh my god".

He smiled for a second, " so it couldn't have been you, I remember doing it".

Hermione tried to get herself to calm down, " are you saying that you actually murdered someone?" the words didn't make sense.

" Yes, I was the one who killed Colin. I cut his throat in the library last night".

There was only one thing she could say, " why?".

" I don't know".

She knew better than to start yelling at him, " you don't just do something like this and not have some kind of a reason".

He tried to shake it off, " I didn't know what I did until after it was done. I know it doesn't make any sense, but, there was nothing going on in my mind".

Hermione took a deep breath, " but you still did it".

Harry nodded, " I can't change that".

She wrapped her arms around her body, turning away from him, scared to look. But she knew that wasn't even close to anything else she felt about him. Tiny steps were taken to the staircase. Harry gazed at the fire as she left.

" Harry" he looked up when Hermione said his name from the middle of the steps, " I'm not going to tell, anyone".

The blood on Hermione's cloak came from Harry's hands when he hugged her. It was Colin's. The one person she saw differently that anyone else, had to be considered a murderer, even if it was only between them. Hermione didn't know what would happen starting in the morning. Cut what she learned tonight, didn't have a negative effect on her.

Author's Note- Sorry for a short chapter, but this one was just to round up what really happened. And also, if you can notice, a few things about Hermione (if you can't tell now, you will sooner or later). By the way, Blanche Dubios, those " steamy scenes" you were talking about in your first review, they're coming up.

Foreshadowing for Chapter Five- What does happen the next morning? Better yet, what's Hermione going to do?

5. There's Something About Harry

Over the Edge

Authors Note- Maybe not necessarily Hermione doing the obsession, but you're in the right area. This chapter practically wrote itself, at 3am in my living room where I got grounded for being up so late, but it's totally worth it.

Chapter Five- There's Something About Harry

Hermione didn't sleep that night. She said in bed, in the dark, her mind racing and she couldn't focus only on one thought. Over the years, since the she met ' the boy who lived', Hermione had seen some courageous and yet horror things he had done. The chamber of secrets, the death eaters, Voldemort of course, and the many attempts at verbally and physically harming Draco Malfoy. But those were times when he needed to do those things, not always for the sake of living, but close enough. Not Colin Creevy, he had never done a thing wrong. There was no visible reason for his murder. Maybe it was something Harry saw, only him. Something in his brain, in his thoughts, that told him Colin had to die. Or maybe, he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe it wasn't Colin, but Harry. She knew for a fact that there was something different about Harry, something dark and dangerous. The problem was, she didn't know what it was exactly. But she was determined to find out.

The next morning, Hermione was hazy from being sleep deprived, and very edgy. She wasn't alert as every always expected her to be. Downstairs, she saw Harry from a far. By the color under his eyes, he hadn't slept either. He probably had the exact opposite on his mind, then again, he could have been just as confused as she was.

Professor McGonagall came in once again with another announcement. Regular routines would be in effect as soon as Professor Dumbledore had a private meeting with every student. That could be a long time, and even though Hermione and Harry had every class together, she wanted to talk to him as soon as possible.

After breakfast, in the common room, Hermione went upstairs to gather some studying materials. Taking part in her usual activities could help set her mind straight. She dug through her footlocker in the deserted dorm room. As soon as she had her Potions book, she stood up, coming face to face (well not really, he's taller now) with Harry.

Before she could speak or react, he grabbed her by the hips, pushing her back a couple of steps. Hermione dropped the book, her conscience telling her to scream. But this was Harry, she couldn't.

" I don't want you to be afraid of me" for another person, it would be hard not to with the firm hold he had on her, " you should be running away, screaming" it was like he could read her mind, " you should be telling McGonagall and Dumbledore that I was the one who killed Colin". She never blinked once, there was so much emotion in his eyes. Fear, guilt, regret, and maybe the need to break down and cry. " I don't know why you haven't, or if you're going to, but no matter what, I don't want you to be afraid of me, ever".

There was so much Hermione could say now that she had the chance, but with the tone of voice she had, he would have her. She didn't say one word, only placing a finger over his lips, did Harry know that she understood. He leaned in closer, the tips of their noses touching. Hermione closed her eyes ready, willing, for what she thought was coming. But it didn't. Harry backed away, releasing her, and leaving the room, passing Ginny on his way out. Hermione was breathless.

Her mind absorbed every word he had said to her. She wasn't afraid. Maybe physically, after six years of Quidditch it would be hard to win a fight against him, but not of him personally. Not of the boy she first met on the train when looking for a runaway frog. Not the one who survived puberty who risked his life to save another (though committing murder took a life). Not of the boy who sat at her bedside everyday, and brought flowers, when she was petrified. And not of the grown teenager who risked so many things to save someone because he was the only one who knew he was innocent. She may be the only person who could see past a grueling crime to the real Harry. Harry Potter was so much more than a murderer, the title didn't fit him, but it had to be there. When it would be Hermione's turn to go into Dumbledore's office, she planned to tell the truth and lie at the same time. The last moment she saw Colin alive was in the common room before her Charms class. But no, she never saw Harry re-enter the tower that night. On the outside, he didn't leave in the first place.

But on the inside, she wasn't going to protect him as much. She had a lot of searching to do.

6. The Boy Who Killed

Over the Edge

Chapter Six- The Boy Who Killed

She went back to the common room. It took a moment, but she saw Harry and Gunny, by the same window as two nights before.

" Mind if I join you?" she grinned.

Ginny had a somewhat angry expression, seeing as she was alone with the guy of her dreams. " Usually you shut yourself away in a your own corner and snap at anyone who goes near you".

Hermione shrugged, " when something like this happens, it makes you think about what you're doing with your time". Harry looked over at Ginny, then glared at Hermione, only he knew what she really meant. " Where's Ron?".

" Dumbledore, they're starting at the end of the alphabet" Ginny said.

That meant Harry would go before Hermione. He had the chance to turn himself in before she would to lie. But it was easily seen, that he wasn't going to do it.

" I'm going to go get my Transfiguration book" Gunny left them alone.

The silence was more brutal for him. " What are you doing?".

She ignored him in that way, " what was our Potions homework?". But he wasn't giving in. She sighed, " you're a wreck, and I don't think you're safe alone".

" I'm not going to tell Ginny".

Even if he did, it wouldn't do much. After five years, she was still both quietly and madly in love with him. Who knows, maybe knowing he was a dangerous murderer would be an erotic turn on (A/N- does that sound familiar to anyone?). " Then why did you tell me?".

He paused, but sounded sure when he did answer. " Because I trust you". There was a chance he was lying, for the sake of her not telling. But it was something about the way he was looking at her. There was no trace of doubt in his eyes. Not like she had any to begin with.

" Trust what?" Ginny heard what he answered, luckily not what Hermione had asked.

The two looked down at their books. " Just, trusting Hermione, with everything" and he wasn't lying.

Before Ginny could pop another question, Professor McGogonagall entered the tower and the room dropped into dead silence. " Tomorrow, Saturday, the entire school will be going on a trip to the village of Hogsmeade for the weekend, with or without a permission slip".

Excitement grew rapidly around the common room. Though this was only happening because the staff wanted the students out of the school in attempts for clues on the murder. Hermione wondered about those clues. If Harry had a weapon, what did he do with it? He had the power to make things disappear, hopefully he used it.

" That's a little strange" Harry commented.

" Who cares, you're not going" Hermione said.

He arched an eyebrow, " I'm not?".

" Nope".

The conversation did not continue, Ginny was right there and Ron had just come back. " Bloody hell, they got mind tricks to make you talk, it's horrible".

It was only Ginny's turn to go, but Hermione could tell from the vibes that Harry was scared. There was no other word, he was scared.

She took her quill, using Harry's ink bottle and a ripped piece of parchment, she wrote:

What did you use to kill him?

He hesitated, but returned the note without being noticed:

A knife, I think Dobby gave it to me

He thought? How could he not remember? Maybe he had it for awhile.

Where is it?

One of the school owls got rid of it

And there was something else:

Why aren't we going to Hogsmeade?

Hermione smirked while scribbling on the parchment:

Because I'm not afraid

Foreshadowing Chapter Seven- There may be another murder before the Hogsmeade trip. Who's it going to be?

7. Screams in the Night

Over the Edge

Authors Note- Anyone who wants to chat and/or doesn't have a profile, I'd love to talk to you guys. My email is morgsyncer@yahoo.com. My screen name on AIM is TinyMoe361 and on Yahoo it's lilgetum. And if you guys have any, leave it in a review. Thanks, an on to the story.

Chapter Seven- Screams in the Night

Harry looked sick upon returning from Dumbledore's office. There was no screaming, or swarms of dementors, and he had come back. Harry did not confess, not like she was expecting it.

Hermione went with what she had planned about lying and the truth. It worked, despite how scared she was. But Professor Dumbledore asked what the last thing Colin said to her was. She remembered (and answered truthfully) ' see you later'. Simple enough.

After everyone went to bed, Hermione found it easier to get some sleep. She wasn't too worried about Harry, knowing he was alright for the time being. He wasn't capable of much right now. Even smart girls like Hermione are wrong once in awhile.

It was about ten or fifteen minutes after getting into bed, in Hermione's half asleep stage. An earth shattering, mind-bending scream pierced through the eardrums of anyone in or around Gryffindor tower.

Hermione, along with the other girls in her dorm, burst into the hallway, throwing themselves among the huge crowd already there. She wasn't too far from the balcony, so she pushed herself through those around her. They didn't notice.

Ron was already at her destination when she got there. He was in awe, but Hermione didn't have to ask, it was all right there.

Ginny, obviously the one who had screamed, stood in the center of the spiral staircase. Below, on the floor, was a body, laying there. A pool of blood around. Dead. It was happening again, less than three days later.

Before either her or Ron could see who it may be, they were pulled back into the mob. There was one voice, only one, that could be made out. Professor McGonagall.

" Everyone into my classroom, NOW!". Like a chain, everyone bolted down the staircase furthest away from the body and to the portrait hole. It was too dark for anyone to see who it was. But there was one person who did know.

Now, it was a huge discovery to those at Hogwarts from the first murder mystery. The murderer was in Gryffindor, and so far, as were the victims. They took place at night, when password entrances were under a more strict effect.

She lost track of Ron somewhere between the portrait hole and the Transfiguration classroom. But it wasn't him she wanted to find right now.

" Harry!" she recognized him in the corner, alone. She saw the tears in his eyes, the look of guilt and horror on his face. " It's okay" Hermione wrapped one arm around his waist and the other around his neck, allowing his head to rest on her shoulder.

" I don't know what the hell is wrong with me!".

" That's what I'm going to find out" she whispered, " Harry, who was it?".

It's not that she wanted to encourage what he was doing, but a lecture would make things worse if anything. Helping him would involve being on his side, which she already was. Speed was everything, seeing as lives were being lost.

" Neville".

Authors Note- While you may not see the pattern of the murder victims, it will make sense when Hermione (and you'll find out at the same time) discovers why. Don't worry Blanche, the scenes I promised are coming.

8. Hogsmeade, Diagon Ally, and Transfiguration

Over the Edge

Chapter Eight- Hogsmeade, Diagon Ally, and Transfiguration

Neville Longbottom and Colin Creevy were dead. They never saw the end coming, especially from someone like Harry. Someone they considered a friend, someone they trusted, the same someone who took their lives in violent ways. There wasn't a possibility of Harry waking one morning, deciding he wants to murder someone, plan it, and then actually doing it. Something in his mind that he had no control over, and it was taking over his life. The problem was, he knew it was there, he just didn't know what it was. Any further, and Harry could find himself in Azkaban prison for the rest of his life.

While the tension in the room was as thick as stone, Hermione fell asleep, her head in Harry's lap. She knew what happened and who did it so there was no reason to worry, plus exhaustion was well over her.

Ron found them before Harry drifted off himself. " She's probably the only one who can sleep, she's never afraid".

" Maybe if you knew" he said in such a way, that if Ron had the slightest clue on what was happening, he would have figured out right there that his best friend was the mysterious murderer.

In both fortunate and unfortunate ways, he didn't. " Knew what?".

He reconsidered his decision about telling anyone else. There was no reason to tell Ron, he had to tell Hermione only so she wouldn't accuse of herself of the murder she didn't commit. But it would be betraying her, and the desperate attempts she has to help him. " Nothing, forget it".

Seamus, the newest Head Boy for Gryffindor, stood on one of the desks, a replacement for McGonagall. " Every student will be leaving school grounds any moment. Revenclaw and Slytherin are going to the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Ally, ourselves and Hufflepuff to Hogsmeade. Please try and stick together for the love of Dumbledore, we'll probably know more when we get there".

Ron watched Seamus step down. " I'm going to see if Ginny is alright, I don't want her getting left behind".

" No you don't" Harry muttered as he walked away. He looked down at Hermione, still sleeping. Gently shaking her shoulder, she moaned, but didn't wake. " I guess I'm going to Hogsmeade" he whispered in her ear.

Suddenly she shot up, gasping. " Like hell you will!" she grabbed his shirt collar, nearly strangling him.

" I was only joking" he said.

Hermione released him, then gazed around the room. " Uh oh" she jumped off the table, dragging Harry with her. Dashing out of sight behind an old bookshelf, she slid to the floor, as did he.

Keeping a hold on his cloak, Hermione was occasionally peering around the corner as the remainder of the students filed out. Within a minute, it was completely silent.

" Where's your Indivisibility cloak?"

" Back in the room".

Hermione stood, taking a few steps back. This was the first chance that Harry got to see what little she wore to bed compared to what she wore during the day.

" Maybe I shouldn't be saying this, but the Fat Lady does have a big mouth. If she did let you in, she'd defiantly rat you out".

She grinned, " say it all you want Harry, it's only a waste of breath". In a blink of her own eye, Hermione disappeared. She transperated, obviously, illegally. He couldn't complain about breaking any laws.

Seconds later, she reappeared, his silver cloak draped over her arm. " Can I trust you to stay here?".

" Where are you going?".

Hermione wrapped the cloak around so only her head was visible. " Snape's classroom" she could tell he was about to ask why, " if you're going to tell me what's going on, you can't know what you're saying".

Foreshadowing for Chapter nine- Hermione goes through with her plan, what's it going to do to Harry?

9. One Sip, One Kiss

Over the Edge

Chapter Nine- One Sip, One Kiss

Harry sat across from Hermione on the tabletop. Before he was a cauldron and nine or ten little bottles circling around it. Once in awhile she'd take a different one and pour just a touch, or the whole thing, inside. The first potion that came to mind of Hermione ever making was the polyjuice potion back in their second year. That turned her part cat part human. So this was scaring him.

" Since you are the Book Queen, shouldn't you have something, anything, here to tell you what you should or shouldn't be putting in there?".

She kept her concentration on the cauldron. " I memorized this potion in our third year when I was trying to find out if Ron liked me. But don't worry, I'm over that. This is more serious".

" Just a little" he smiled.

Hermione glared at him, smirking when she saw his face. " You're making fun of me".

" Oh no, no, no, I'd be much too frightened to tease you" (A/N- I know that's from Star Wars, I don't own that either).

" You're the famous Harry Potter, you can't be afraid of anything after facing off Lord you know who".

Harry kept his eyes locked on her, " we all have a sort of sensitive side, maybe with the exception of you".

She corked an empty bottle, " it's there, I've got one, you just have to find it". That could have been a hint, or an offer for him. The spark in her eyes was quiet the indication. Hermione reached for a crystal glass that had been on one of the chairs. " Alright" she re-directed her attention again to pouring a thick blue liquid into the glass, " drink this".

Harry accepted it from her, studying the substance. Tightly shutting his eyes, he swallowed it all in one gulp, leaving a very disgusted look on his face. " Oh god, I hope that stays down".

Hermione giggled, " now lay down" she gently guided him onto the tabletop.

" Why? What's going to happen?" he looked worried, but to her it was amusing in an adorable fashion.

" Don't worry" she whispered, " it's only going to feel like you're falling asleep".

He was already beginning to sound groggy, by that time he was entirely relaxed, though worried he might not wake up. " What good will that do?".

" Don't worry" Hermione repeated, watching his eyes close and his breathing becoming heavier, " Harry?" she whispered.

His voice was more clear than hers, " yes?".

She leaned over him, " why did you do it? Why did you kill Neville and Colin?".

Harry took a deep breath, acting as though he was sleep walking, " Hermione" it was barely audible.

" I'm right here".

His head turned, facing her, his eyes slowly opening. He may have not known what he was saying, but now she didn't know what she was doing. Leaning downward, closer and closer. It looked very much like hesitation, but that's not what Hermione felt.

Time, and every aspect of it, stopped upon placing her lips on Harry's.

Authors Note- The next chapter is what a lot of you have been waiting for. But, I can't post it here, so go to http://fanfiction.portkey.org/ and it will be there. The whole story is there, same title. In case you can't find it there, my pen name on that site is tweak27. It may take just a little bit longer, cause I have to actually write the chapter. It's not the same writing something like THAT in the middle of class. I hope you guys like it.

10. Simple Attractions

Over the Edge

Chapter Ten- Simple Attractions

The kiss had only lasted a second before Hermione almost threw herself off the table and onto her feet. That she was doing was wrong, at least, that's what she tried to tell herself. Harry sat up as she backed away, closer the wall.

" Oh god" she gasped, " oh my god! I can't believe I just did that, fuck!" Hermione carried on as thought Harry couldn't hear her, which she believed was true as an effect of the potion. " Fuck! What the hell is wrong with you Granger? He doesn't know what you're doing!".

Harry sat up, " yes I do".

She stopped, gaping, and gripping at her scalp. " What?".

He stood up and began walking towards her, shrugged, " I guess the potion didn't kick in or something".

It only sent her into panic again, " oh no! It's not working! No we'll never know what's wrong! You'll keep killing and then end up in Azkaban" he kept walking, " and".

Harry pressed his lips against hers, backing her entirely to the stone. Hermione held out her hands, being caught off guard. The tip of his tongue glided along her lips. Hermione returned the kiss, hungrily, letting their tongues duel with the other. She clutched at the back of his cloak, Harry grabbed the side of her nightgown. Hermione brushed her right hand against his cheek.

They separated, only for a second to regain oxygen. Gazing at each other, they didn't say a word before she captured his mouth again in another deep kiss.

With her back to the wall, Hermione grinded his body into his, feeling arousal. She slid her hands under his shirt, massaging his torso. Earlier, she was right about how he was physically built. It's amazing what six years of non-stop Quidditch could do to a seventeen-year-old body.

Harry let out a moan into her mouth, pressing his tongue deeper into her mouth. Hermione worked at the ties on his robes while still feuding, she slid the cloth off his arms as it fell to the floor. Slipping away, he brought both hands to her shoulders, freeing her of the long sweater over the nightgown.

Hermione pulled him closer from the hem of his shirt. For the longest moment, they stayed in each others gaze, with no words, no movements, just looking. Not for anything specific, maybe wanting to know what the other was thinking, or feeling.

In a swift, yet slow, motion Hermione pulled his shirt over his head, randomly dropping it on the floor. With one hand still near her arm, Harry slid the satin upwards on her thigh. She jumped, her body being pressed between Harry and the brick, her legs wrapped around his waist.

He had his arms around her. " You're not wearing any underwear, is that part of you're plan?" he whispered in her ear.

Hermione was too lost in the feeling of where his hands were to concentrate, " just an advantage" she grinned. Reaching her hands between her legs, Hermione quickly unfastened his pants, pulling the zipper down.

She leaned forwards, sliding her hands down her side, placing her lips on the flesh of his neck. He groaned deep in his throat.

" Harry" it was a silent plead he could not ignore.

Holding her hips, he slowly entered her. Hermione whimpered against his skin, tickling his nerves. It was two sensations neither could describe.

Hermione leaned back where she was facing him. " Hermione" he spoke between thrust and coarse breathing, " please, tell, me, that, this, isn't, out, of, pity".

She ran a hand through his untidy hair, " this isn't out of pity".

Hermione pushed herself onto him so he'd go deeper. She tightened her clutch on his waist, running her hands down his back, feeling every strain on each muscle. Harry tenderly kissed her forehead as Hermione twirled her fingers in the hair on the nape of his neck, grinding her back against the rough wall.

After a final deep breath, Harry placed his lips smoothly on hers. The cries from her release were muffled, only vibrating across his mouth. The balance in his knees went, both gently gliding to the floor. He was still in her arm, breathing hard in recovery.

Near the waist of his back, Hermione saw the blood on his skin, dried. It most likely wasn't his, but it would be at great risk if anyone else saw it.

" Harry, you've got blood all down your back" she warned, their breathing now at a normal rhythm, " you should go wash it off, just to be safe. I'll stay here and see where the potion went wrong".

After he left, she noticed it was really a suggestion to be alone, so he wouldn't see how scared she was. At the same time, she had sex with her best friend, a murderer. And yet, she never felt so safe.

Usually, Harry found the dozens of faucets in the prefects bathroom to be entertaining, but a lot has changed. He simply filled the large tub with water and soap. Not even bothering his clothes, Harry just slid into the water, floating on his back, trying to pretend that the world had come to an end and there was nothing left to worry about. Unfortunately he wasn't that lucky. Removing his cloak to his bare back, Harry tried to reach around to wash away the blood. A sudden touch made him jump.

Ginny had dipped into the water without him noticing, a damp wash cloth in her hand and a smirk on her face. " What are you doing here?" he asked, the impression that he and Hermione were the only students left behind was suddenly broken.

" What does it look like I'm doing?". He went down in the water a bit to hide his back as Hermione had warned. " You should be at Hogsmeade".

She shrugged, " so should you".

Harry sunk so only his head was above the surface, " I, uh, wanted to stay behind".

" With Hermione" Ginny's eyes turned cold, " is that her reason too? Some lame excuse. But I'd really like to know yours for lying, you told me that no matter what, you'd never leave me to be with another girl".

" Ginny, we broke up over six months ago, I said that when we were dating. But I meant it then".

She swam closer, " are you saying there's nothing between you and Granger?".

He didn't answer right away, instead stared at her. Watching every flicker in her eye and every twitch of her lips. " No, I'm not saying that".

" Come Harry" she leapt forward in the water, encircling her arms around his waist, " what's six months?".

Harry tried to push her off, " a long time" but she wouldn't budge, " come on Ginny, get off".

Her smirk grew, " no" she grabbed him tighter, " maybe I don't want to let go this time".

He was having a hard time breathing, which was made no better when Ginny pressed her lips against his. Maybe just one kiss, one little kiss wouldn't hurt, anything to get Ginny to let go.

The door closed, breaking the two apart. They both looked to see who it was, it could only be one person who walked in on them.

Hermione.

Authors Note- This is my first attempt at this, so please go easy on me. There's only two chapters left after this one.

11. Confessions of the Dangerous Mind

Over the Edge

Authors Note- Phew, I was afraid the last chapter wasn't going to go over well. Thank you for the reviews everyone and sorry for the wait but I love the torture (.
Chapter Eleven- Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
Hermione stood like a petrified statue, which she had already been once before. Ginny and Harry were just the same, though she had her hands on his shoulder. Hermione couldn't see where Harry's hands were, which to him was a very lucky advantage.

She wasn't sure of her feelings for Harry at that point, the past hour made things confusing. It wasn't for his sake, what they had done, Hermione was in love, deeply. It couldn't have been a recent development, not even close. The question was the confusing part, how much? How far would she go for him? She lied to keep him from being caught, would she like to keep him out of Azkaban prison?

She had to find the answer, but things had to be dealt with one at a time.
" Hermione, honest, this isn't what it looks like" she did believe him, typical as it sounded, it was the truth. Everyone knew that Ginny Weasley, alone, in a bath with Harry, she wouldn't be herself anymore. He tried to swim away from her. " Ginny, can you please let go?".

" No!" her voice echoed, receiving two distinct glares. " What's gonna happen if I don't Harry, are you going to..kill me?".

Hermione lost her jaw, Harry came close to drowning, and Ginny had one heck of a grin. " I'd be your third victim, it'd be quiet the honor. The famous Harry Potter slicing my throat".

Harry pushed himself out of her grip and to the edge, climbing out. Access water dropped from his cloak and clothing to the tiled floor. " You don't know what you're talking about".

" Oh but I do" she kept the grin, " I was there, Harry, I saw you murder Neville from the balcony, and I know all about Colin as well".

Hermione looked across at Harry, he was very pale. She began walking around to get to him. " Ginny, you've been known to have a very active imagination".

" Oh cut the shit Granger! I'm not as gullible as I was in my first year".

" Gullible is one way of describing it" Harry muttered.

She smacked his arm, then gazed at Ginny, who was now getting out. " You silence on this would mean the world. Azkaban won't help Harry, I will".

Ginny stood before them, still shorter and the look of mischief and evil on her face. " Oh, it's going to take a lot more than a beg to keep me silent" Harry didn't like the sound of that, she was giving off a seductive vibe. " I think we both know what that is".

Hermione turned her head, her wide eyes seeing him stuck in a trance on Ginny. " Um, Harry...".

He snapped from it, " oh no, there is no way I'm sleeping with you just so you'll keep your mouth shut!".

" Come on Harry" Ginny pleaded, " it's just sex, only once, I promise. You never turned it down before".

Hermione jumped in, " maybe we could made another arrangement".

Ginny gazed at her, eyes ice cold. " Perhaps an arrangement to do with why Harry turned to murder. That I happen to know as well".

Hermione had come to her own conclusion. It didn't make sense, but it's all she could come up with in one second. " It's your choice Harry" she mumbled, turning away.

Harry was confused between the two. Both girls knew something that could cost him life in prison. One wanted him in exchange for silence, and the other was willing to be there no matter what. " No, Hermione's right, we can figure something out" he slid a hand into his pocket.

" I don't think so" Ginny replied.

Slowly, Harry's will gave in. His mind became paralyzed and his body took over without control.

" I do".

He grabbed the pocketknife from Sirius that he always had on him. Ginny hadn't noticed, but Hermione saw the blade from the first moment. Harry grabbed Ginny fast enough to make her scream. One arm was coiled tightly around her waist, the other around her neck with the knife.

" What the hell are you doing?" Hermione yelled. Ginny was panting beyond too scared to defend herself. She had her hands pulling at his arm, but there was no use.

Harry began to back-up with her. " I really don't want to do this, but, if I'm going to that hell hole Azkaban, I want to make sure no one knows my motive". He pressed the blade against the skin on Ginny's neck, causing tears to leak from her eyes.

Hermione felt her heart jump into her throat. Ginny Weasley, of all people. Would Hermione witness her murder? If Ginny told what she knew before dying, would Harry kill her as well?

" I won't tell, I swear!" Ginny screamed, back to her regular self.

" I'm no more gullible than you are" Harry told her in a rough tone.

Hermione inched closer to them, raising her hands to show that she doesn't meant to do anything someone would regret. " Come on Harry, don't do this, just let her go".

He shook his head, revealing his want from the same pocket. " I'm sorry Hermione, I really am..expellimus!".

A gold ray of light, a huge blast of blinding light, and Harry escaped from the bathroom.

12. Fall of a Wizard

Over the Edge

~ This is the Final Chapter~
Chapter Twelve- Fall of a Wizard
There was a though it mind for Hermione to believe she was dead. That she hit the wall hard enough to become Harry's third victim. But she was alive, aching all over along with being dazed. Harry and Ginny were gone, the first thing she noticed.

It was a struggle to stand, her sore muscles and bruised bones ached with every move she made. Loosing balance and then beginning to limp, she galloped towards the door.
When entering the corridor of the school after the passage, it was deserted. Hermione feared by the time she'd find Ginny and Harry, one of them would be dead. A familiar call, identical to the one from earlier that night, rang throughout the hall echoing around Hermione. It was close, very close, and she wasn't around many classrooms. A cracking sound, like glass breaking. A window. There weren't any windows in the corridor, only lanterns. But there were some in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Hermione limped as fast as she could.

Her hair was pulled backwards by huge gusts of wind in the room. The tall window had been broken, breaking the barrier to the night storm. Leaning very little out the damage (it was defiantly big enough for someone to fit through) thick raindrops splattered on her hair and face. Thunder was beaming in every direction, lightning occasionally illuminating the dark clouds. The roof.
The staircases didn't move, like they knew she was in a rush and how serious the matter was. The only door to the roof platform was at the very top, the eight floor. It was not large at all really, only six or seven feet between two points in the castle. When she found them, Ginny was free.

But Harry crept closer to her when he saw Hermione. " You don't want to be here, trust me" he warned. The voices had to be loud to not be drowned out by rain or thunder. Hermione was now just as soaked as they already were.

" Harry, let her go, she has nothing to do with this".

Through the streak of insanity across his face, he didn't prey it upon her. " That's not true, she knows more than you. Kind of scary when you look at it".

" Please don't make me do this" Ginny pleaded, crying.

Harry wrapped his arms around her waist. " Come on Gin, you were itching to tell earlier. Besides, she's been patient enough with my issues, I guess you can call them, mental problems" he grinned.

" Harry, don't say that about yourself".

He backed away from Ginny. " This girl right here" he pointed to her, " said the exact same thing not that long ago. She figured it out and ended our so-called relationship".

Relationship? Though Hermione didn't say anything, it was clearly printed across her face. " Yeah, you guessed it" he continued, Ginny frozen by her tears, " she said I was acting weird about my desired revenge. Neville Longbottom and Colin Creevy were the names on the list, the only names actually. Once Miss Weasley here found out the true reason, my motive, and, well, she was pissed'.

Hermione glanced between Ginny and Harry. She didn't know if she now wanted his reason. Obviously, it was known by someone all along. It was Hermione's one goal in him.

Harry slid the knife's blade against Ginny's arm. " Why don't you tell?" he moved it towards her collarbone, " you know you want to".

Ginny froe, hesitating, knowing the danger she'd be putting herself in by not speaking, more the same if she did. " Because of you".

Between thunder and confusion, Hermione didn't hear, " what?".

" Because of you!" Ginny screamed, " he killed them because of you!".

" Because of me?" Hermione moved her drenched hair behind her ears, " how could this be because of me?".

Harry looked at Hermione, with more painful expression rather than insane. " Because you're so attractive".

" What?" she was becoming so aggravated because they were the only ones who could understand.

" Well you must be, Colin and Neville were attracted to you" Hermione's anger fell, " maybe I didn't take the competition very well. I tried to get it out of my head, really, I did. Suddenly, after Ginny here had written me a letter, did I find a way to wheel them in. Write them, making it look as though you were the author, asking them to meet you in an empty common room at night, that's why Colin said ' see you later'. It was guaranteed to work, no one around, and they had no reason not to go. I remember watching them both, hiding in a dark corner while they came downstairs. There was the chance that I could have just sat there until they left, but, I didn't. The urge was too strong and my reflexes to weak. The last thing I wanted was someone in Gryffindor to be accused. They're our family, remember when McGonagall told us that on the first day. So I dragged Colin's body to the library, that's where I was coming from, you were coming down the stairs as I was in the porthole. I would have done the same for Neville if Ginny hadn't screamed".

It took a lot out of him to admit everything. Hermione was stunned, Ginny still horrified because she was so close.

" Harry, I0".

He raised a hand to stop her, " don't worry about it. It may have been good intentions, but it was really bad actions. I don't even deserve Azkaban" Harry bent, whispering in Ginny's ear.

Automatically, Ginny was crying again. " No!".

He handed her the knife in which she could barely hold. " It would be a painless death, the dementors sucking out my soul. Colin and Neville suffered, I made sure of that. Why shouldn't I?".

It took a lot of courage, what Ginny did. Quickly, without a warning, she drove the knife into his abs. Hermione jumped at the action, Harry dropped to one knee, clutching his bloody wound.

" Ginny!" she snapped at the girl who had turned snow pale.

" I told her to" Harry winced, falling entirely to the stone platform.

Ginny dropped the knife, backing away. Hermione knelt next to him, his shoulders resting in her lap.

" I didn't think it'd hurt this much".

She pulled off her glasses, watching the raindrops land on his cheeks. Placing a hand over his, the blood ran onto her skin.

" It was for you, Hermione. Colin, Neville, and now me, it was all for you. Maybe it would have been easier to just tell you" he took a deep breath, " that I love you".

Hermione's smile barely twitched at her mouth corners. Harry closed his eyes. Soon enough, she couldn't tell raindrops from her own tears. He killed for her, and now he died for her. The question was no longer how much she loved him, but how much he loved her.
Authors Note- There, it'd done. Now you all know why he did it and how it ended. But, those damn plot bunnies are still hoping around. I have an idea for the sequel to this that I'm willing to try. What do you guys think of that idea? Please let me know. Thank you for the reviews on this (and the help, you know who you are) and I'm glad you all liked it.

13. From Dreams to Reality

~ Home for the Summer~

Summary: Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy fell from the audience tower. What happened to them? What happened to Ella?

A/N: This is the final chapter. While I am sad, I have another Harry Potter story in the making. Look for the first chapter soon!! I'd like to thank every single person who reviewed this story, it really meant a lot. Also, thank you to OrioCookie for the whole spell fencing and dueling thing; it's too late to change it now but I greatly appreciate it.

Chapter Twelve- From Dreams to Reality

Hermoine witnessed the fall of the two boys from the tower. When they hit the ground, she already took off running back to Hogwarts. Ron and Hagrid came back with her, along with Dumbledore and McGonagall. Madame Pomfrey, who had been their savior for the night, rescued baby Ella and had her safe in the hospital wing before she grew far ill. As for the fallers, they were a different story. No one moved their bodies from the positions in which they landed, no one even went near them until Pomfrey arrived.

Ron stayed very close to Hermoine, whom was on the near break of tears, not knowing who was alright, if anyone was. Madame approached them after carefully examining them. Not that she ever had a cheerful expression, defiantly not now.

" I am sorry to report that mister Malfoy broke his neck, most likely once he hit the ground". There was no reaction, they knew what he did and now he got what he deserved. It was almost like a celebration.

Hagrid dared through the stricken silence, " and Harry?".

She sighed, looking at Hermoine, " I'm sorry, it does not look too good for him either".

" He's dead?" Hermoine struggled through the words that could shatter her heart in an instant.

" No. His breathing is very weak, he may have broken several severe bones that may have caused fatal damage. I don't believe he may last much longer, possibly two or three minutes".

Hermoine felt awful, like all the things Madam Pomfrey had just told was happening to her. Like her insides were being torn apart bit by bit and her life was slowly slipping away. He had survived such a fall not two months ago, why couldn't he survive this time?

" Hermoine, why don't you go and, say your goodbyes" she knew it really effected Hagrid to say that to her, or at all.

She left Ron, stumbling through the snow to get to the base of the tower. Kneeling next to his limp, almost lifeless body, she saw that the rising and falling of his chest, was hardly able to see. Gently, she brushed away part of his hair from his forehead, revealing his scar.

" You saved Ella's life" she told him, in case he didn't know. " It's not fair that now you have to go". She took a deep, but weak, breath, " I was going to tell you this earlier, but the chance never came, and I don't think it's going to come again. I love you, it's easier done than said. I loved you long before that night with the diary, and it only seemed to be greater once Ella came along. You probably can't hear me, but hopefully someday, you'll know".

Hermoine left. She could no longer bare being that close to him, when he was so far away. All she wanted was to get away from the Quidditch as fast as possible, and never go back there. The idea of returning to Hogwarts made her feel sick. Every inch of the school already reminded her of him, the things they did, or what not. When arriving back at the dorm room, she wouldn't go to bed, sitting on the edge of the mattress, any movement didn't seem worth it. She watched Ella sleeping, peacefully, it hurt her to know that her daughter would never grow to know her father. Their relationship was broken, because of a teenage demon.

Hours after the incident, Hermoine let the exhaustion over take her, there was not enough will power to keep fighting to desire to sleep.

While in a motionless slumber, she felt the air around her slip into the dream world she knew too well. Standing in the dark hallway, all alone, for a moment, the silence got to her and there was no clue for why she was there. A faint whisper in the background trickled her eardrum just barely. Turning in the most rapid movement, Hermoine caught the slight glimpse of a shadow, and yet, awoke before discovering what, or who, it was.

She shot up in bed, panting. The dream, it felt so strange, so real. A cold chill up her spine indicated, that maybe she was right. Her mind, and the bare remainders of the dream controlled the physical movements outside the dormitory. Stopping in the hallway, the only sound was her breathing, the only sight was what little was lit from the candles down the aisle. Hermoine's mind had gone blank, and she no longer wanted to think of her actions. Her mind was too powerful, even to herself, and now she only wanted go by what her heart told her.

Her heart was telling her to run, to nowhere specific at the time, just to run. She kept running, faster with each step, and yet, not knowing where she may end up. Somehow, her mind came back in control when she neared the hospital wing. Hermoine stopped herself instantly at the main doors. She knew. She knew that's where the bodies were, where Draco and Harry were, until further arrangements were made.

Why? She thought to herself. Why was she there? She couldn't stand the fact that just on the other side of those doors was the lifeless body of the boy she was deeply in love with. Even knowing that he was no longer alive, she still had the same feelings.

Forcing every muscle in her body, Hermoine began to walk away, back to her dorm. Maybe other sleepless nights would lead to such a dream to arise hopes that would fail only minutes later. It wasn't fair, nothing about the day had been fair. One simple move, if Harry, or even Malfoy, swiped in the other direction, they wouldn't have fallen. Who knew what would have become of that, but at least there would have been more of a chance.

" Hermoine". Her name, she knew that specific tone, and exactly how it was said.

" Harry" she whispered, recognizing the voice before hers. Perhaps a aftershock from her premonition. Perhaps, not.

" Hermoine" the voice was more clear, the name was closer.

" Harry!" she was facing him in a heartbeat. Standing as tall as he was in the doorway, his injured figure stumbling every so often. He was alive, Harry Potter was alive.

Plunging into his arms, Harry clamped his arms around her tightly.

" How is this possible? They said you were dead!" Hermoine screamed in tears.

Harry managed a voice through her embrace. " I think I was for awhile, Draco got the better of the fall" he waited, " I heard what you said, I heard everything".

" I still mean it, I always have, and I always will".

" I love you Hermoine" he said, feeling at complete ease once the words left his lips. After all this time, he finally said them. " I love you more than life itself" she backed away from his hold, but he couldn't stop himself. " For as long as I can remember, and when you told me that.......you were going to have a baby, our baby, I didn't know what more there could be. Maybe we are young, and that some people believe that we're not ready for love, but we've been through so much". Hermoine gently brushed a tear from behind his broken glasses. " And, I love you".

Before another rambled word could be said, Hermoine leaned forward and kissed him, not just a peck, but the kind of kiss you'd give to someone after confessing your love. From the night with the diary, to a near death experience.

Ron came bursting from the hallway, wondering where Hermoine had run off too. He saw that his two best friends, one in which he thought was dead, were tongue tied and caught up in each other arms.

" Okay, found her" he panted, leaving them for privacy.

~ THE END~

A/N: Yes, the ending is corny. But I really wanted to finish it, and I knew I wouldn't be too popular for killing Harry, especially when he had a baby daughter. The story is done, but my goal is to hit 40 reviews at least for the final chapter, please help! Keep checking for my next story (within the next day or less) called " In Harm's Way". THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE REVIEWS!

15. Prologue

~ Home for the Summer~

Prologue

I'm going to keep the title Home for the Summer, because I hate changing titles in the middle of a story.

You read the epilogue, hopefully, so you already know that Harry, Hermoine, and Ron graduated from Hogwarts the following year.

Just a side note- Harry and Hermoine's daughter's name is Ella, not Elle, but it's a simple mistake. I named her after Ella Harris, the late Richard Harris eleven-year-old granddaughter. If it were not for her threat of never speaking to her grandfather again, he would have not accepted his role in Harry Potter.

Anyways, with that said, here's what's going on in the start of the sequel.

It's four years later, making the gang nineteen, and Ella is four. After graduation, they did not go back to the Muggle world.

Professor Lupin retired after the seventh year, he opened a small shop in Diagon Alley selling random magical things to gain a great deal of wealth. Harry, is the new professor for the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. He also is a referee for the newest Quidditch matches, still getting out the old Firebolt.

Professor McGonagall resigned when accepting an offer to take a seat on the Ministry of Magic (hey, she deserves it). None other than Hermoine Granger took over at the professor for the Transfiguration classes, and head of the Gryffindor house.

Sadly, in the second semester of the seventh year, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore passed away (it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Richard Harris did as well; it's strictly for the story). A note was found in his office, claiming there was one student in the school, and only one, that he would want to take his place. Ron Weasley is the new Headmaster at Hogwarts.

If there is something I forgot, I'll probably mention it somewhere in the sequel. If I don't, let me know.

And, one final note, for the relationship status of Hermoine and Harry. The night of their graduation party, Hermoine found an engagement midair when running back into the dorm room for something she immediately forgot about. They are not married just yet.

16. Two Professors, a Headmaster, and a Little Girl

~ Home for the Summer~

A/N: And yet, another special thank-you to LilFlyerGirl for all her extraordinary help. Flu Powder in the bedroom, right?

Chapter Fifteen- Two Professors, a Headmaster, and a Little Girl

The seventh floor corridor was emerged in silence. It was the birth of a new year. September second, that day easily remembered from the former students. Harry Potter being one himself. He had graduated from Hogwarts with honors and then realized that he never wanted to leave the place that truly was his home. Along with his best friend and fiancé, they didn't want to leave. With that, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was made their permanent home.

The scattering class of first years went entirely quiet upon Harry's entrance. Twenty pairs of eyes watched him walk to the front of the classroom.

" What?" he looked up from his bag on the desktop, completely innocent. Several students snickered, a girl in one of the front rows raised her hand. " Yes, Miss Daniels?".

She lowered her hand, smiling, " forgive me professor, but, aren't you a little-young to be teaching?".

Harry walked around the desk, leaning against the front, arms folded across his chest, focusing on young Olivia Daniels, " no, not necessarily. I've had more experience in Defense Against the Dark Arts than a good amount of wizards". Without knowing, he brushed part of his hair from his eyes, revealing a very good conversation piece.

There was a roar of gasps from every student, except Olivia, she just lokst control of her jaw.

" Good gods, you're Harry Potter!" one boy snapped. Harry could have sworn his students knew already.

" Shut up Longbottom!".

Harry followed the voices to a familiar looking resemblance in the back row. " Longbottom?".

" Alistair Longbottom, sir" he seemed scared of the gaze he was under.

" Neville's brother?". The boy nodded. " Oh this class is going to be fun" he muttered mostly to himself.

Harry turned around to walk forward again, Olivia's arm was mid-air again. " Yes?".

" Sir, or should I say Professor Potter" she had a spunky grin to his name, " by any chance are you going to teach us defense methods against you-know-who?" she hesitated on the name.

They all stared, desperately waiting an answer.

" Why would you need such a thing? The chances of you encountering he who should not be named" as a professor, he had to learn no to say the name like he was use too, " on Hogwarts grounds are slim to none".

Olivia still seemed in hesitation, " what about outside of school? Like when we're at home".

" Well, you're not suppose to use magic outside of the school" he himself had broken that rule several times, which is why he never enforced it as a concrete law, " but, the chances don't even exist. No student has encountered Lord you-know-who, ever".

" You have" Alistair commented.

Harry shrugged, " I wasn't a student at the time, heck, I wasn't even potty trained".

The class burst into laughter.

" The point is" he focused on the girl in the front row, " you're safe, you're at a big school with protective teachers, and a very well trained headmaster".

Alistair, once again, interrupted Harry's assurance for Olivia. " Ron Weasley!" he cracked, " I've heard horror stories about that guy, can't believe he's our headmaster!".

" Your brother has more ' horror stories' than the Forbidden Forest ever will" the students cooed, " Headmaster Weasley is the second best in the league after Dumbledore himself".

Longbottom broke the serious tone Harry had. " Is it true he ate slugs as a prank to get out of an exam?".

" No!" he snapped, shocking the students to think he was angry. Harry turned to get a book from his desk, looking over his shoulder with a blissful grin.

" It was a spell that backfired".

Hermoine dropped her boulder-weighted bag to the floor of their room. It hadn't gotten any lighter for being a teacher. She was beyond exhaustion. Harry had only been there for a minute or so before her.

" First day rough?" he saw her expression.

Hermoine walked like a zombie to the window where he was standing. " You have no idea" she collapsed into him" giving freedom of experimenting was a nightmare", he wrapped his arms around her, " two kids ended up in the hospital wing with tails".

He couldn't help but laugh, " still up for going to the feast?".

" Of course" she raised her head, " it's Ron's first welcoming feast as Headmaster, I wouldn't miss it".

" In that case, I better go get the rugrat" he started towards the door.

" The what?".

He grinned right before leaving, " your daughter".

During the days when Harry and Hermoine had classes, Hagrid was more than happy to look after the four-year-old. And she was just as ecstatic about her visits. Learning about fascinating creatures, older tales of when Hagrid was a boy (ignoring those that involved the Chamber of Secrets), and his specialty, stories of when her parents and godfather (which is Ron) were first students at Hogwarts. Those, she happened to use in the best ways possible.

On her part that is.

Hagrid slowly opened the door after Harry knocked. He motioned for Harry to be silent, then pointing across the cabin to the couch where the little girl was sleeping soundly under an old, wool blanket.

" She hasn't had supper" Hagrid informed him of the day as he walked closer to his sleeping daughter, " went right to playing with Fang. Who knew that old brut had that kind of energy left in him. Both passed out within quarter of an hour" Harry saw the old, wrinkled dog asleep by the fire.

" Thanks Hagrid" Harry said after lifting Ella, her head resting on his shoulder.

" No problem, no problem at all. How's the teaching going?".

" Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day" he said before leaving the house.

Surely Ella would want to go to the feast, despite an empty stomach, she gained every opportunity to do something with her father in Hogwarts. Over the years, Ella developed into an adorable toddler. She had Hermoine's hair, which was obvious, and still kept the heritage of her father's eyes, and facial expressions.

Olivia Daniels was walking up to the castle just as he was, they were the only ones out there. Normally, students weren't outside past the hour of four.

" Hello Olivia" he greeted smiling.

She tried to get a closer look at Ella's face, " she looks rather young to be first year. What house is she in?".

Harry laughed, " she's not a student, she's my daughter, she's too young to be a student yet".

Olivia looked surprised, " you have a daughter?". He nodded. " I heard that you were engaged to Professor Granger".

The idea that she knew random, somewhat personal, facts about him after her second day at the school, kind of worried. " You might want to hurry up, the feast is starting soon".

By the time Hermoine met up with Harry at the entrance to the great hall, Ella was awake and ready for whatever it was they'd be doing. She never cared about details.

Plates were still empty as the three walked to the front of the hall, to be seated next to Ron, just has he had ordered. Ron wore the same colored and fancy robes as Dumbledore did, same hat as well. He looked very serious, when those who knew him, knew better. The hall tables went silent, waiting for the usual announcement given at the beginning of each year before the feast.

Ron stood swiftly, everyone watching him. He loudly cleared his throat.

" Nothing to say, everyone start eating".

Hermoine and Harry laughed, it was very well expected from someone like Ron.

A/N: Alright, this is getting long and its going nowhere. It's a chapter that just has to be here, but has no meaning. Don't worry, I have a great plot in mind. So keep reviewing and stay tuned for less corny chapters.

17. Someone Believe Me

~ Home for the Summer

A/N: Just a warning, that really has no reason. This chapter will contain the word ' @$$'

Chapter Eighteen- Someone Believe Me

The night Ron had planned to invite Olivia to the faculty table in order to monitor her behavior, she was not in the hall. Adrianna wasn't either, neither turned up for dinner. On such a random night.

" We'll just try again tomorrow night" Ron told Harry while the students and other staff members filed out after dinner.

Hermione looked at them, " try what?".

" That Daniels girl has the hots for Harry and it's making him paranoid". Harry nudged his arm.

She giggled, " Harry, she's eleven, it's an innocent crush, like the one Ron use to have on Lavender".

" Say what?" Ron's voice cracked at a very high pitch that echoed off the walls.

Harry ignored the comment, " It's not a crush, and it's certainly not innocent, it's something else".

" An obsession?" Hermione suggested.

" No!" or maybe. He felt alone, his best friend and fiancé didn't believe his suspicion. The only thing remotely close was a hat.

" Where are you going?" Ron asked after Henry jumped over the table and started down the empty aisles between the hall tables.

" To find Olivia".

Ron, Hermione, and Ella watched him leave the hall without another word, and very determined.

" Want to go watch him get his ass kicked by a kid?" Ron casually asked.

Hermione lifted Ella into her arms, " no need to make it worse by watching".

A storm threatening night made visibility in the corridor more difficult than most nights. Lanterns flickered the dim light. Harry was still quiet a ways from the Gryffindor common room, when, there was a scraping sound behind him. He stopped, turning his neck on an angel. There it was again, louder this time.

" Hermione?". It sounded like footsteps.

He moved backwards where he already came. " Ron?".

Still no answer.

Hermione sat on the cushion by the windowsill, her daughter in her lap. A children's book of Witchcraft fairytales open in front of them.

She heard a moan, a painful moan, just outside the door.

Hermione shifted Ella off, leaving her with the book. She stood close to the door, her hand on the knob. Another moan, like someone was suffering. Hermione flung the door open in one swift move, wand in hand.

The only person there, was Harry, lying in the doorway.

" Hi Sweetie" he grumbled, in obvious pain, and a little dazed.

" Harry! Oh my god!" she nearly screamed.

Dragging him inside, slamming the door behind them, she gently sat him down in the light, able to see his injuries. His shirt was torn from the sleeve and down, a trail of blood following on the skin. The bruises on the knuckles of his hands matched the deep blue coloring on his jaw line. There was a deep cut under his left eye, yet, he didn't notice.

" It doesn't hurt" he commented.

" What the hell happened to you?" Hermione helped him to sit, thinking maybe he really did get his ass kicked.

Harry removed his glasses which had a cracked lens, " I don't know, I couldn't see who it was, I just kept getting thrown against the wall. Like some kind of force".

She disappeared into the bathroom. Ella, who had been watching since her mother dragged her father inside, took the long jump from the sill to the floor, walking over to Harry. Wrapping her little hands around his arm.

" You have boo boo's?".

Hermione came back with a damp washcloth and a brown bottle of iodine. " Just a few" he answered.

" Do you have an idea, who did this? Certainly it couldn't have been Olivia".

Ella sat herself on his leg. " I sure hope so. I saw some what of a figure, it was not a litter girl".

Hermione turned the open bottle over the cloth. " Watch Ella, it doesn't hurt". She placed it against the wound under his eye.

It stung, and Harry winced sharply, but saw those emerald eyes watching him. She had scraped her knees every other day, and had been terrified of the iodine.

Hermione took one of Ella's hands from Harry's arm to the washcloth, " hold that for me sweetie".

Harry watched her stand and head for the door, though did not say anything. As her hand reached for the doorknob, he snatched the want she had dropped earlier. With one word, it was no longer possible for her to open the door.

" Why did you do that?" she objected, " we have to tell Ron about this".

" If absolutely necessary, I can tell him tomorrow".

Hermione tried to door again, " what about the students? I'm in charge of the Gryffindors, I have to make sure they're alright".

Harry stood, bringing Ella with him, " no one gets past the Fat Lady, you know that" with the exception of Sirius Black a few years ago, but it was different circumstances.

She gave up, went back towards them, " someone dangerous is in the school".

" And going out there alone at night is not going to help" he said, " I'll go put her to bed" Harry patted Ella's back.

But as soon as he said that, Ella screamed, throwing her clutch around Harry's neck, " no! I don't want you to get hurt".

Hermione watched his stunned reaction. " It's okay, no one's going to get hurt" he softly told her.

" Yes they are" Ella cried, burying her face in Harry's shoulder, " they're going to hurt you daddy!".

Knowing it was not her usual attempt to get out of bedtime, Hermione stood next to him in less that three steps. " Who are you talking about, honey?".

" The bad guy is gone, he won't hurt anyone" Harry said, though not knowing that his attacker could have possibly been female.

" No he's not" Ella replied through her tears.

She remained crying for several minutes until crying herself to sleep. Still with a strong hold, Harry laid down on the bed with her on top of him.

" What do you think she meant?" Harry whispered, Ella still asleep on his chest.

Hermione was laying next to them, " I think she was scared because you were hurt, and she's afraid it may happen again".

But Harry couldn't ignore how confident his daughter sounded that night.

Hermione was not to next to him when Harry awoke in the morning, but he knew she always left earlier on Wednesdays. He talked with Ella about the event the night before, she seemed to be calm about it. Maybe it was a cover-up he couldn't see through.

At least that morning, Harry had a decent amount of time to get to his first class after leaving Ella with Hagrid, they were thrilled to see each other, and he was relieved that when she was acting more like herself.

" Feeling better?" Ron joined him from the lawn as Harry made his way back into the school.

" Hermione told you" he guessed.

Ron nodded, " I can't believe something like that happened, I hate to ask, but any ideas on what to do?".

Harry shrugged, " ignore it?".

" That is a resolution I would turn to, but not when my best friend gets hurt, that's when it gets personal. Well, semi-personal, I guess you're involved too".

" Thank you Ron".

" Well, if something happens to you, I don't know what I'd do. I would have to start thinking for myself" Ron claimed.

Harry laughed, " you'd have Hermione".

Ron shrugged, " anyways, I have top security in every hallway. Trolls, paintings, even Sir Cadagean".

Harry shuttered, " are you sure that's a good idea?".

Ron glared at him, " it was either him, or Demontors, I trust there is no more to be said".

Harry nodded. There was no possibility of him agreeing more, that's for sure.

There were no students in the classroom when Harry arrived, there was still another seven-and-a-half minutes until class began (he was very precise when it came to that). But the room was no empty. Hermione was there, her back facing him.

" Isn't this enough surprise" he smiled.

She turned around, now facing him. Her bloodshot eyes blended with her tear stained cheeks and extreme expression of anger and hate. He was stunned by the sight.

" What's wrong?" he dared to ask.

Hermione's lip was trembling, she couldn't find the words to express her thoughts. " Is this your idea of a joke?" her voice crackled by the emotions.

Harry didn't understand, " what idea?".

Swiftly, she walked away from his desk, closer to him. " Look, I didn't want to get pregnant when I was fifteen, but it happened".

Blast from the past. " I know that, we went through this four- years-ago".

" So this engagement is nothing more than a fraud to you?".

" What? Of course not, I would never do that to you!".

She couldn't bare looking at him, " I had really great news for you, and I was on my way here to tell you" tears dwelled in her eyes, Harry watched her very closely, " and instead I find this".

Throwing a crumbled piece of parchment that had been enclosed in her hand, Hermione brushed past him, out of the classroom. Harry wanted to go after her, but knew how Hermione was when she was mad. If he was going to talk with her, he would have to know what had her like this in the first place.

Harry straightened the paper, smoothing out some of the wrinkles. He didn't recognize the handwriting, he didn't recognize the words. Yes this note, was addressed to him.

Harry,

This relationship would continue better if you just told Hermione the truth. We wouldn't have to keep anything a secret, and we wouldn't have to hide our true feelings. Maybe you don't have to tell her, she doesn't have to know. She doesn't deserve to know. All that matters, is that you're only mine, and she can live in her own little fantasy world for all we care.

Love,

Abigail

He couldn't believe the words in front of his eyes, in which he had never seen before. It was fake, the entire note was unreal. But he was the only one who really knew that. As for Hermione, she thought the love of her life was having an affair with Abigail Roslyn, the Charms professor.

~ This doesn't have too much to do with the plot, but it's going to help. Let me know what you think, and beware, for later chapters.~

Over the Edge