A/N: I know the last chapter was short. But I had to get to this chapter. Yes, I know Hermione seems to dependent on Harry, but that will be explained next chapter. I've kept hinting at the reasons why earlie. One of the last lines in the previous chapter was that she was still `Hermione' around everyone else, she only got that why with Harry, shy, quieter, more emotional. This also will be explained later, I just don't know how much. There will be no loose ends in this one, I hope and here comes the darkness that will follow throughout the book.
Chapter Fourteen:
Into the Fray
"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because I am the biggest baddest motherfucker in the valley." Full Metal Jacket
The beginning of the school year moved smoothly. Harry and Hermione continued to sleep on the couch every night; neither had the strength to let the other go to their bed. They woke up before everyone else every day and showered before they all did. Harry continued to watch out for Grace and Julie, but they really did not need it; Arthur took to being great friends with them, and wasn't seen out of their presence, except when they left for the night. Harry felt slightly nostalgic as he thought about his first and second year whenever he saw them together like that.
Ron had become quite the lady's man and was on his second girlfriend as they started their second week of school. He really did not notice the reactions from Hermione, Ginny, or Luna with what he was doing. Hermione and Ginny just glared at him whenever he was around now; Harry had taken to talking to Luna, and over the course of the first week had become very protective of her.
He did not like it when the Ravenclaws began to take away her things again, and this time, he did something about it. Not only had he threatened to get the prefect status of every Ravenclaw taken away, but Cho's Head Girl status as well, if she did not stop the problem. He knew she knew who was involved; Harry had made a big seen of it, and the argument rivaled ones between him and Malfoy. He lost them about fifty points, but Ravenclaw lost close to a hundred with the amount taken off for every student involved with what happened. But the message was out: mess with Luna, you'll find Harry coming after you.
It was probably would be even worse if someone went after Hermione, she surmised. Hermione knew that Harry was protective of her and although she could take care of herself, she kind of liked it when someone loved her that much to look out for her. She had heard from Lavender what he had done to some Ravenclaw boys who were talking about her while he pasted them on his way to meet with Cho. She said that he broke one of their noses and had another up by his neck against a wall. And all done in self-defense, Lavender said. When Hermione asked Harry about, he wrapped her in his arms, and simply told her `they choose poorly' their words about her. So all he did was insult their masculinity and they attacked him. That was the reason behind losing so many points for Gryffindor.
Walking out of her Arithmancy class with Luna, who was talking feverously about what they were doing inside, Hermione spotted Grace and Julie walking their way with smiles on their faces. "What are you two so happy about?"
"We found out about Hogsmeade," Julie said with a large smile.
"And?" Hermione said, not liking where this was going.
"We want you to buy us something," Grace said. And the two of them began to good off on a tangent of whatever it was they wanted. Hermione was so lost in the conversation that she did not even realize there was someone creeping up on them. The two first year girls were talking so quickly and adamantly that neither saw the figure draw his wand. All that anyone heard was four screams.
* * * * * *
Harry had been talking with Serge before their first training session when he heard the news. McGonagall came rushing to them, fear etched across her face. Harry had never seen her so afraid before. And he never felt his heart drop lower.
"Please tell me Hermione's okay, please," Harry begged of her. He kept his voice even, but could not hold back some of his fear.
"Harry, please come with me," McGonagall said. Serge had been explained what his army days before hand, back in `Nam' as he called it. Harry could not help but enjoy some of them old war stories. The man seemed barely over thirty and yet here he was telling stories about a war Harry had barely heard of. "Better come too Serge."
"Why?" He asked. Serge picked up his black bag that he took everywhere as they walked out the door.
"Something has happened that we need both of you to react rationally to," McGonagall said. Harry quickly picked up his katana as he and Serge rushed behind her as she hurried through one of the halls. Harry shook his head, recognizing the hall, the one that lead to Arthimancy. There were four wands lying on the floor at the moment, and a ring of students on the opposite side of the hallway. Dumbledore had his head in his hands, sitting on a chair that must have been conjured.
"That's Gracy's wand," Serge said dropping his bag. "What happened here?" His voice cracked as he spoke.
"What do you think happened?" Snape said, callously. Harry had almost found his voice when Serge picked Snape up by his collar and held his against the wall.
"Listen here you fuckin' son-of-a-bitch," Serge said in a dangerously calm voice. "My daughter is missin' and all you can do there is patronizin' me. I have even less trust in the Aurors to solve this matter peacefully, and you are here actin' like an ass." He dropped Snape to the floor and glared at him. "Harry, its time to train." He quickly walked away. It paining him to much to stay there, Harry left too, but he still was fuming.
Once a great distance away from them, actually near the entrance to the school, Serge stopped. He held his back to Harry, and did not speak. "How can you just walk away like that; when your daughter, her best friend, a great friend of mine, and the love of my life are taken hostage?" There was another moment of silence before Serge spoke.
"Harry, you lesson today is about the hunt," Serge said, dropping to one knee. . He opened his black bag as he spoke. "We are goin' after them son-of-a-bitches, and we're goin' get them safely back at home." He began to load one of his shotguns, and slide a pistol into his belt. "I can get us there, but I need you to help me return them safely. I'll be the distraction, you will get them out of there, understand." Harry nodded, sliding his katana into his sheath.
"Expect to find resistance?" Harry asked. He knelt down next to him so they were on eye level.
"I'm counting on it," he said. Serge cocked the shotgun and placed two more with straps on his back. "I'm also expecting Dementors Harry. You'll see a first class charm tonight, unlike nothing you've ever seen before." He stood up, and Harry did the same. "Let's go."
"Where are you two going?" Guile was walking up with Ron as Harry and Serge were about to open the door. "The black wind is howls. You can not expect to be victorious, Serge."
"I'm not going to be," Serge said with a smile. "Harry is. Now unless you have some parting wisdom or anything, please leave us. We both are on a tight anger management schedule."
"Very well, Mister Potter," Guile turned to look at him. He almost looked like he was smiling. "I believe there something that I can give you that Serge can not."
"Well, get on with it," Harry said. He was annoyed at the moment; Hermione was his only concern. "My angel is out there."
"And an army of angels shall assist you," Guile said, holding out his right hand. There was an orb, the same size as the ones that Serge gave him. "Place it in the slot where you red orb is now, you shall learn what I mean. Also, remember Harry, it is the darkest before dawn." He turned and left them, Ron still standing in shock. "Come Ronald, we have much to do." Harry removed his katana and quickly did what Guile suggested, and placed the red orb with his remaining ones.
"I want to help them too, she's my best friend too," Ron said, standing his ground.
"Leave Ronald," Serge said a growl in his voice. He was not facing them, only staring out into the cloudy night. "What we will do tonight, what we will see, you are not ready for."
"You're no use to them dead, now, we've got more work to do," Guile said, floating back around to Ron. He picked him up by his ear and began to drag him away. "You are the furthest behind in your studies…." As he went off, he began to reprimand Ron; Harry could not help but smirk slightly.
"Let's get going," Serge said, taking off in a brisk jog to the Forbidden Forest. "Take these." Serge said, handing him a pair of goggles. "They should fit right over you glasses."
"What are they?" Harry asked as the world around him began clear, albeit green.
"Night vision goggles," Serge said. He continued to walk in front of Harry. "Follow me, and don't take them off until I tell you to, understand me?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said. He moved quietly, copying Serge's steps down to the amount of pressure he used in each step. They moved silently, quietly. It had been around dusk when they left, and as night crept slowly by, every sound to him, was the enemy. Every movement was the enemy. Everything that happened that he could not identify was the enemy. An enemy that took his angel; they took away his Mione away from him.
Neither spoke, out of fear or caution, Harry could not detect. All he knew was that one point, Serge slowed down as the rustling behind the tree grew loud and the air grew cold.
"Harry, take off the goggles," Serge said. Harry did as he was told, vaguely away of Serge removing his glove through the dark night. No moon shone, no nothing, but that rustling. "You're in for a show." He said. Serge took one step forward, stepping on a twig, making a rather large crack. The air grew frosty as Harry could see the Dementors approaching. "Expecto Patronum!" A bright light came forth from Serge's wrist, creating a rather large mist. Harry had no idea how the mist was going to beat the Dementors. And from the air around him, there was a great deal of them.
Then, a soft march began. A simple flute and drummer were playing. Harry could see them as three men marched outward from the mist as it spread across the horizon. One played the flute, another the snare drum, and the third held high what he could only surmise to be the American flag. All three were bandaged and limping, especially the flag bearer.
"What is that?" Harry asked as the sound of gun fire could be heard.
"Watch as you see my protectors, my brethren in battle," Serge said. The light from the mist grew, and shaped into men, decked out in jungle camouflage and all carrying a weapon, a semiautomatic rifle. "My Patronus, Harry, my Patronus."
"This is amazing," Harry said, as he could finally see the Dementors coming forward. They did not stop, they did not halt or even flinch as the Patronus took form. "It's not working."
"Watch Harry," Serge said.
"Take aim, men!" One of the soldiers yelled. He was running behind them all, making sure they were well fortified. "Don't shoot til you see the whites of their eyes."
"What are they waiting for?" Harry asked once more, as one of the Dementors attacked the closest white soldier.
He covered his ears as the gun fire echoed through the woods. He vaguely saw the centaurs on a hill far away before they went on. Looking back, he saw the Dementor's body be destroyed as it was riddled with even more bullets. But even as the soldier took down that one, another Dementor took him by the head and ripped it off. Harry could only watch in horror as the men began to fire on the oncoming Dementors. Appearing out of nowhere, they were overwhelming the soldiers, but the soldiers did not give up with a fight.
One soldier was tossing grenades at them, wounding a few, but no enough. The Dementors used force beyond what a normal athletic human could do.
"Harry," Serge yelled, picking up one of the fallen men's guns. "Pull out your katana and start hacking." Harry nodded, swiftly moving into the fighting stance that came natural to him. "Charge!" Serge yelled. The men all stood and charged forward into the fray with bullets firing and eyes blazing. They took on this endless battle and the mist began anew, creating more soldiers, these men looked vaguely similar to the other soldiers.
Seeing the men's faces, no, Harry corrected himself. `These are just boys, no older than me.' He said to himself as he watched them charge into the melee. "For you. For my angel." Harry said, charging right after them.
Swinging the sword, Harry let his magic flow, as he was taught, into the blade, a white arc flew from the blade as he swung downward. The arc sliced the Dementor in front of him; Harry smiled slightly, but had to duck and roll before he could enjoy the moment. A Dementor had swung at him. He fell forward at the pain going through his back. Blocking it out, he turned to face his attacker. Harry almost recoiled at the look of the Dementor, or that is what he thought it was.
The creature wore his robes much like a Dementor, only a hole to suck the happiness. But this creature was different; Harry could see red glowing eyes from behind the masks, with bone like fingers coming through the ends of the robes. Harry saw the creature reach into his robes, pulling out a long thick sword, giving off its own darkness. Parrying with his own sword first, Harry then quickly rolled back to his feet, staring down the creature. It had the same dark red eyes that had inhabited Ron. Before either the creature or Harry had a chance to react, a gunshot rang out close to them. The creature slumped to the forest floor, and Harry turned to look, seeing Serge holding a glowing white pistol in his hand.
"We've got company Harry, a friend that both of us could use at the moment," Serge said, pointing in the direction of a lantern.
"Harry!" Hagrid's voice rang out through the forest. Harry parried another attack, and looked at Hagrid's monstrous form making its way to them. This time, a smile grew on his face, watching the gentle giant take one of the creatures by its neck, or at least were it should have been, and rip its head off. Fang tore into one, and Harry looked back, knowing his friend was safe.
Harry turned on the next monster. Swinging his katana, he met with another sword, but this time, expecting it, let his magic create the same arc that he had made before. The white arc sliced the creature in half, and it was only then did he notice the soldiers fading. That was the last of them. Breathing heavily, Harry slid his katana back into its cover.
"Well done, Harry," Serge said, picking his black bag back up. "Hagrid, good you could join us, now I ask you to leave."
"I'm out here because Dumbledore sent me," Hagrid said, standing his ground.
"And you did your job; you found us, now leave us be," Serge said. "We've got a great deal of road to travel, and we've wasted enough time here." He took off in a sprint that Harry easily kept up with. The forest no longer seemed as dark without Serge's glove on.
"What am I going to tell Dumbledore?" Hagrid yelled.
"Tell him if we don't come back, don't send a search party," Serge yelled. Harry remained quiet. His mind began to focus once more on the task at hand: finding Hermione, and bring her back safely to him.
* * * * *
Boom. Hermione awoke to the sound of thunder crashing. Cringing, she could not see the world around her, nor could she see. She could vaguely hear the sound of feet shuffling. The ground beneath her was beginning to turn muddy as the rain fell. Or at least she thought it did, nothing touched her. She did not know where she was or how she got there. All that came to here was that night when she saw it happen. Shuddering, she felt someone brush her hair roughly. She shook her head, trying to make that hand go away. It did, and she felt herself floating off the ground.
As she floated, her fear increased. They must have been in a cave or something, but now she was outside. The cold wind blew hard against her as the rain poured down. Boom. The thunder called again, and she cringed once more. Her face was lightly cut by low limbs and branches. She tried to curl up, but something restrained her. She felt no ropes, on her legs or anything, but something stopped her. Finally she was dropped roughly onto the ground.
"Well, Mudslut," a female voice said. "Looks like a good night for sleeping out in the woods." Her laughter mimicked the thunder: loud, disturbing, horrible. She whimpered in fear of what she could do to her in that position at that moment. Boom. Moments later and nothing happened. She began her pray, to have Harry bring her home, safe.
* * * * *
"Damn it," Harry said to himself. It had to be close to midnight as they navigated through the forest. For all he knew they were no closer to finding Hermione or Luna, or Grace or Julie. And it irked him beyond belief. A storm brewed, not of his creation, like he could do that without being tired afterward, but it still got him angrier. `Hermione hates storms,' he thought to himself as they finally stopped. He back stung slightly at the falling ran, but he did not think anything of it.
"Out of breath?" Serge asked, turning around. The glow from his hand gave him an unearthly quality. Harry shook his head. "I can't help you for this part, but I want you to close your eyes, and concentrate on Hermione. Listen around the forest. Don't hear, listen. Listen for that one small piece of information that will help us find her." Harry nodded as the rain poured down.
Closing his eyes, he began to take deep breathes, almost falling into he meditative trance that Serge was teaching him to go into. The pitter-patter of the rain began to fill his ears as did the smell of rain water. Slowly, though, it all quieted as he let his mind find his deepest memories of Hermione, and slowly, he heard a whimpering sound of her crying. "Mione!" he whispered softly. His mind was traveling there, through the woods, over a log, past a broken down tree on the left, on the other side of a darken crevice.
"Mione!" Harry screamed snapping out of the trance. Glancing quickly around him, he took off in the opposite direction they were heading in, with Serge having a hard time keeping up.
* * * * *
Hermione tried to keep her breathing level, thinking about everything other than it, but it did not work. Tears falling down her face, she was sure they were tears despite the rain, she thought she heard him. There it was again. And again. Her mind shaking free enough of the nightmares, she grasped hold of her Harry's voice. Yet she could not yell, she could not do anything, just pray that he would find her and stop all of these nightmares.
* * * * *
Harry ran as fast as his legs would carry him, pumping up and down against the muddy forest floor. He had already lost one of his shoes and the second one was threatening to come off as well. "Over the log," Harry whispered to himself. Just like in his mind.
Serge was nowhere near him at this point, but that did not matter. Harry had already passed the broken down tree on the left and was continuing into the darkness. A lock on Hermione in his mind, he carried on, despite the rain around him. His mind had an idea where she was, and his heart knew where she was.
Forging onward, he came to the darken crevice, but with the limited light, he could not see around it or in it. That's when he heard it, the whimpering. To him it was louder than any thunder bolt or crash of lightning. It was his angel's tears. Taking out his katana, Harry lit it up. He still could not see into the cave, but would not attempt to enter until Serge caught up with him. Seeing the rough corners of the rock, Harry ran around one of them, and nearly froze in his steps as the next bolt of lightning hit.
Boom. Hermione cringed again, but distinctly heard footsteps in the muck around her. She still could not speak, but she heard him. But who was him? Her tears began to fall faster at the idea that something was going to happen to her now. And she was right, something did.
In one swift moment, Harry had her him his arms, removing the blindfold from around her eyes. The look of shock on her face combined with the tears caused Harry to grasp onto her with everything he had. Boom. She cringed once more, but relaxed as she realized her knight had come to rescue her. She wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around him, but they still felt tied up.
Pulling back, Harry took a look at her. Untying the gag around her mouth, Harry saw her choke slightly as she tried to return his smile. Keeping her in his arms, he looked at her arms, which seemed to have nothing wrong with them, but did seem bound by some form of magic. Carefully maneuvering his katana so he still had her in his arms, Harry thought for a moment attempting to come up with a spell. He doubted "finite incantum" would cancel it. All he needed was an unlocking spell, and the only one he knew was: "aloramora." Her hands became free as did her feet. Surprising himself with that, he tightened his grip around her as he attempted to stand them up.
"You okay?" Harry asked. She nodded, and looked up at him, her eyes frozen in fear. Tightening his grip on his katana, Harry spun around, slicing through the midsection of another creature like they had seen before. Off in the distance, Harry saw the centaurs again, this time, they did nothing.
The creature appeared to be nothing more than skin and bones, literally. The body had torn cloths on it covering up some sections, and others shone through to the bone. His face looked mangled, or at least Harry thought it was a he. The eyes were partially in the sockets and the jaw looked like it had been removed completely. Harry tightened his grip on Hermione's hand as she hid in his back.
"Seems you found your precious," a demonic female voice said. "Well, until we meet again." The voice disappeared in a wisp, only to pop back in again as a cloud of shadows in front of him. "Don't worry; I have some friends that are just dying to meet you." The shadows disappeared again, but the sound of shuffling feet could easily be heard.
Harry turned to face whatever was coming there way, keeping his katana out front, and his other hand in Hermione's. Holding one of his hands, Hermione felt stronger, and began to heal some of the cuts and bruises on both of them. Harry walked slowly backward, moving so his was directly in front of her, her back protected by the stone wall.
"That idiot," Harry said, watching as he the stench of rotting flesh hit his nose. "I'll make they go away, angel." Harry said to Hermione, who nodded into his backt. "Reach into my back pouch," he said. She looked down and with her free hand, reached into what he told her to. "Pull out one of the orbs, Mione."
"What are they for?" She asked. The shuffling of feet became louder and the stench became almost unbearable.
"I want you to find a blue one, and tell me what's in it," Harry said, moving his katana back and forth. She was entranced by the light that stayed as he moved it slowly. She looked down, and felt Harry jerk forward slightly, only to return to his place. Looking up, Hermione saw the head of a creature roll left and the body fall right. "Don't scream Mione, I'm trying to keep my cool for you, and its taking a lot out of me. Find a blue one yet?" She pulled her hand out of the pouch and looked at it. A blue orb with some sort of iceberg was in it.
"Y-y-yes," she stammered as Harry swung again. She could easily see the creatures advancing now. Zombies would be the best description, because she honestly could say she had never seen one before. But they were exactly what she pictured in her mind. "It looks like an iceberg," Hermione said as Harry swung again, this time not moving. The white arc sliced two of the zombies.
"Well, concentrate on one of them, the furthest away with the most by him," Harry said, slashing the air once more. He began to do this rapidly, heating up the air and rain around them. Yet no matter how fast he did, they kept coming.
Hermione squeezed her hand around the blue orb, looking for what Harry had told her to look for: the largest group of zombies to use it against. She spotted them, moving slowly toward Harry as he concentrated on the others advancing. Concentrating on them, she felt a bolt of energy flow from her body into the orb, and moments later, a large block of ice, close to the size of a manor, she'd have to say, crushing the zombies.
"Good job, Mione," Harry said, slashing another one's head off. "I'm going to try something." He yelled over a bolt of lightning and crash of thunder. Hermione flinched, but nodded into his back. "I'm going use my wandless magic, but I need you to help support me once this is over with." She nodded again and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Harry stopped his momentum as he cut through another one. Gathering his energy, Harry closed his eyes, focusing on a rather large ball of electricity at the tip of his katana. Opening his eyes again, Harry smirked, and felt Hermione tighten her grip on him.
Hermione flinched as another crash of thunder was heard. She peaked her head around and saw the beginnings of a ball of energy at the end of Harry's sword appear. Within moments, Harry was hit with a bolt of lightning, and she began to scream. His body began to heat up, but not enough to hurt him from what she could tell. All of a sudden one of the zombies had attacked him. Harry swung the sword at the creature. The ball of energy struck the creature, but continued onto another and another, until it seemed like there as a rope of electricity connecting the zombies.
They shook and the smell of burning flesh filled her nostrils and she did her best not to throw-up as she attempted to keep Harry standing. He patted her hands, which were wrapped around his waist still. She could not help but smile at the gesture. He surprised her though, no doubt about that. He quickly got back on his feet.
"Harry! Where the fuck are you?" Serge's voice yelled.
"Guess the cavalry had arrived," Harry whispered. Picking her up, he began to walk through the rotten, burnt flesh of the zombies. Stepping in several of them, Harry was glad he still had the strength to carry her. He definitely did not want her walking in the muck. She tightened her grip around his neck slightly at the next thunderbolt, but relaxed once they were around the rather large rock.
"Damn, when you move fast," Serge said, out of breath. "What's in there?" He pointed at the shadows within the crevice of the rock.
"I don't know, but there is nothing you want to see behind this rock," Harry said, still carrying Hermione.
"Don't need to," he waved his hand in front of his face. "Want me to lead?"
"You're the one who brought us here," Harry said. Serge nodded and raised his arm up. The light reflected off the ceiling of what looked like a deep cave.
"Into bowels of Hell, I shan't be travelin' alone," Serge said. Harry and Hermione both looked at him strangely. "From some poem I think." He shrugged his shoulders as they walked forward. Harry saw a small bat following them, but thought nothing of it.
It was a quiet walk, and Harry heard the sound of whimpering at the bottom of wherever they were going. Although he did not want to, he let Hermione walk, but kept her close to his side, not wanting to let her too far out of his reach. The bat had become a nuisance at the moment, but did not think it would matter if Serge knew or not.
"I'll kill them," Serge said, once they had gotten to what seemed like a cliff. Harry and Hermione caught up with him, and looked down at the bottom of the well. There, Grace, Julie and Luna lay, tied up, shivering as what looked like water was dripping down on them. "Harry, give me a light." Harry unsheathed his katana and lit it. Serge created a grappling hook and hooked it on a stalagmite "I'm going to bring them up one by one. Hermione can you carry your sister?" She nodded. "Harry, you take Luna." He nodded as well; his mind began to focus on the bat. It had red eyes, and something that struck him as odd. The bat appeared to be looking down on Serge as he brought up Julie.
Hermione said a silent pray as Serge handed her Julie. She was unconscious, and whatever monster brought them there did not harm her. Harry was looking at something on the far wall as Serge went back down. Hermione repositioned Julie in her arms as she looked at it too. A bat, it appeared to be. But it could not have been. Its eyes were watching Serge, but bats could barely see?
"One more and we'll be home free," Serge said. He handed Luna to Harry as he replaced his katana in its sheath. Harry held Luna gently in his arms. She seemed so light to him.
"It so good to see an old friend, and the heir of another," the female voice said.
"Flea," Serge said, as he dropped to the bottom of the well. "Harry, Hermione, run, run like you life depended on it."
"But it does," the voice said once more. A light filled the room and torches lit up the path to the entrance of the tunnel. Harry and Hermione both took several steps backward as the bat flew at them. Serge jumped onto the level ground, causing the tunnel to shake. There was a cloud of smoke were the bat was, and a woman appeared where the bat was. Or at least Harry thought is was a woman. She was attractive, Harry would be lying if he said otherwise, but there was a darkness and sense of evil in her eyes.
"Leave them alone, this has nothing to do with them," Serge said in almost a growl. He held Grace close to his chest as he spoke.
Flea shook her? his head. "Where would the fun be in that?"
"Harry, Hermione, in five seconds run as fast as you can,' Serge said to them with his mind. Harry nodded and looked at Hermione; she appeared to be freaking out but nodded as well. "Flea, you remember how it ended last time?" A look of shock filled the woman's? face. Harry and Hermione both took off toward the entrance as Serge's light hand wrapped around Flea's neck.
Harry ran as fast as he could with Luna in his arms, which was remarkably fast. He was out of the cave before Hermione had gone maybe twenty feet. "Shit," he swore. He placed Luna carefully on the ground. The rain had stopped thankfully. Running as fast as he could, Harry found Hermione, stumbling along with Julie in her arms. "Here we go," Harry said, taking Julie out of Hermione's arms and putting her on his shoulder. He did the same for Hermione, placing her on his right shoulder. The weight slowed him down greatly but he got out of there faster than she would have.
"What?" Hermione said as she felt the air rush past her. Her feet were no longer on the ground and she was looking back down the tunnel. "Harry?" Her feet were back on the ground and it appeared that they were out of the tunnel. Harry was placing Julie carefully on the ground next to Luna. "How did you?"
"I ran," Harry said. He turned and looked at her, shrugging his shoulders. He really had no definite answer beyond that. "Now, I guess we just pray that Serge and Grace will be alright."
"How can you pray when you're dead?" A voice, a male one this time, said.
"Harry," Ronan's voice said. Harry and Hermione both looked above the crevice to see the centaur holding a crossbow in one of his hands and a bow in another. "Give this to your lady friend." Harry caught the crossbow as it was tossed to him, and handed it to Hermione. "That is all I can do for you." He ran off.
"Damn bastard, `all he could do,'" Harry whispered to himself; he felt something move past him. "Hermione, prepare your crossbow."
"I've never seen one of these before, let alone fire one," Hermione said. The nervousness was evident in her voice. The shadow moved in the woods once more. Harry unsheathed his katana and moved into a fighting stance.
"You partner is hurt, Slash," Serge said. A body landed in front of Harry and Hermione, causing them to both jump slightly. "He'll live, but I doubt your master will take kindly upon your failure, because after all, you were the one in charge of him, weren't you?" There was a growl in the woods, and the body of the man? disappeared.
"What just happened?" Harry asked, turning around to look at Serge.
"Just take Gracy out of my arms for a moment," Serge said. Harry took her, and Hermione did her best to help Serge `fall' as slowly as he could to the ground. There were various burn marks on his body. His shirt was in threads, as well as he pants for the most part. "I'm an idiot." He said, shaking his head. Hermione was healing some of his wounds as Harry placed Grace on the ground next to them. "To think an old man like me could beat an immortal like him."
"You don't look old," Hermione said. She was slightly confused.
"Before you ask, I'm not explaining, but I'm in my late thirties," Serge said. He held up a hand to stop questions. "I'll be fine until we get to Hogwarts." He strained to get up, and Harry had to help lift him off the ground. "Can you hand me Gracy?" Harry nodded, picking up Grace from her position on the ground. Hermione slung the crossbow over her shoulder so she could carry her sister.
"Why aren't they awake?" Hermione asked as she took Julie.
"My guess is they were put under a sleeping charm of some sort," Serge said. Harry gently picked up Luna and the three of them began to walk. Hermione had a more difficult time keeping up with them as she was not used to carrying so much weight. "I did not want to wake them, as I was not sure of what may happen to us."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked. Serge sighed and shook his head. He was leading them, but limped slightly as he walked.
"Those two are some of the toughest SOBs you'll ever hear about," Serge said shaking his head. "I guess now is as good of a time as any. They work for a man, his name I don't recall, but they all caused me some grief. One is hard enough, and you two are no where near being able to take on one together. The man's, that was a man if you're wondering, name was Flea. His entire life has been spent to become the most beautiful person in the world. The result is what you saw."
"That thing is a man?" Hermione asked, shocked at the statement. Serge nodded.
"How did it end last time?" Harry asked. He had remained quiet as he was thinking about the figure named Slash.
"Well, he lost the remainder of masculinity," Serge said. He spoke with no emotion and with his back to them, Hermione could not tell his emotions. Any other situation, it would have been funny. "His buddy came around, and I fought, barely got out of there alive, but I lost my hand in the process." She could see him shake his head, and soon the only sound was of them stepping.
Harry was lost in his thoughts. How badly hurt were the people they were carrying at the moment hurt? Looking down, he could tell Luna was bruised slightly and her breathing slightly off. Whispering a silent prayer, he hoped she would not die. The two of them had gotten close over the last week, mainly because he had taken to looking out for her. They had spoke about how it was difficult growing up without mothers often when they were together, and they had formed a special bond. Harry really looked at Luna like a sister, one that he never got the chance to have or know.
"Harry!" Hagrid's voice called. Turning, Harry could see the half-giant's lantern swinging in the darkness. "Hermione! You all okay?"
"Hagrid's looking for us," Harry said, getting Serge to turn. The man gave them a small smile before limping his way toward the light.
"Best be going," he said in a small voice. "Careful though, the forest is still a dangerous place."
"You okay Mione?" Harry asked, walking next to her. She nodded, feeling comfort in the fact after of their exploits, Harry always looked first to make sure she was okay.
"I just want to get back to a comfy bed and lay next to you," Hermione said, blushing slightly. Hagrid was not the far away from them at the moment and she had said it pretty loud.
"All in good time, Mione," Harry said. Hagrid appeared to be running toward them; they must not be that far from the school. He could tell it was Hagrid, even if Serge was still edgy.
"Thank Merlin yeh all right," Hagrid said. Fang was panting next to him, looking rather tired.
"My grandfather at the castle?" Serge asked. Hagrid nodded, speechless at the state Serge was in. He began to limp away, stumbling slightly as he started. Hagrid was by his side, helping Serge walk with Harry and Hermione following them.
"There're waitin' for us," Hagrid said. Harry looked at Hermione and smiled. Only a little bit more and a warm bed for them to share.
"Professor!" Hagrid yelled after twenty more minutes of walking. It was close to morning at the moment, and the dawn shown on three professors running to them. One the Headmaster, the other, the Head of House and the third was Madame Pomfrey. Immediately, all three of them reached the troop as they came out of the Forbidden Forest.
"Can we finish this discussion inside?" Serge asked as the three other people began to talk at once. "Hagrid, take Gracy for a moment please." The gentle giant took Grace out of Serge's arms carefully.
"What for?" He asked. Serge smiled at them as two stretchers were conjured for Luna and Julie. Hermione felt grateful that she did not have to carry her sister anymore. Her arms felt like they were about to fall off.
"I need some shut eye," Serge said. His voice was thick and heavy, and as he spoke, he slid to the ground. With dawn approaching, Harry could see the massive amounts of bruising and cuts on his body. Burns covered his left arm and parts of his chest.
"Poppy, get him to the infirmary immediately," Dumbledore said, his voice low. "I am sorry, but I must ask that you two speak to me about this now." Harry nodded and finding strength in his arms still, lifted Hermione off the ground. She seemed surprised at the action, but quickly relaxed in his arms and put her hands around his neck. "Minerva, Hagrid, assist Poppy for the moment while I speak to Harry and Hermione." Both of them nodded, and McGonagall wore a visibly relieved face.
"We'll come see you after this," Harry said, with a soft smile. "If Madame Pomfrey lets us."
"I'll see you two in the infirmary," McGonagall said. "I think it will be a better place to stay the night." He nodded as he quickly caught up with Dumbledore. He had never expected the old headmaster to move so fast.
Once in Dumbledore's office, he conjured a single chair for them. Hermione had finally gotten off of whatever rush she was on and clung to Harry now desperately. She could not believe how much danger she had been in, nor could she begin to constitute what had happened to them. She just wanted to be safe, safe in Harry's arms. She got herself comfortable in Harry's lap, but made so his arms were still wrapped around him.
"I don't ask for much of your time," Dumbledore said with a small smile. "All I ask is that you place your memories of tonight, into this Pensive. Both of your experiences will help us." Taking his wand out of its holder, Harry placed it to his forehead, and pulled it away. A silver string connected his wand and forehead. He began to think back although to the beginning of the night, and brought the wand to touch the Pensive. A snap and the string disconnected from his forehead. The memory seemed weaker; he knew it was in the Pensive now.
"Your turn Mione," Harry said to her. She nodded, but did not make a move. She in fact clung to him tighter at his statement.
"Here is your wand, Hermione," Dumbledore said, holding it in his outstretched palm. Hermione looked at it, pausing for a moment, but turned back into Harry's chest. Harry took it from the Professor, giving him a questioning look. The Headmaster looked just as confused as Harry felt.
"Angel, you have to do this," Harry said, rubbing circles on her arms with his free hand. "After this, you can rest, and I'm sure they won't ask you to do anything more for a while, right?" He looked up at Dumbledore, with a pleading look.
"Harry is absolutely correct," Dumbledore said, nodding his head in agreement. Harry had only seen the man look as old as he did when Harry was told about the prophecy the previous year. "With only a few days until the weekend, you two can spend it regaining your magical levels. I don't want to hear any news that you were in class. Just do this for me Hermione, and you can go to bed."
"Can Harry come too?" She asked, looking out of his chest only slightly. Dumbledore gave her an aged smile.
"I would not think of separating you two, and I will ensure that Poppy does not either," he said. Hermione took her wand out of Harry's hand and placed it against her forehead. She shivered as the night replayed through her mind as she brought the wand to the Pensive. It faded though once her wand touched the pensive, and she let out a sigh of relief. "I shall talk to you this weekend, Harry."
"Do you have it sir?" Harry asked. He had ordered something from a Wizarding catalog for Hermione's upcoming birthday and specifically stated it be sent to Dumbledore to avoid suspicion.
"Yes, and you'll have it once you return to school this Saturday," Dumbledore said with a smirk. Before Hermione could ask any questions, Harry stood up, forcing her to tighten her grip around his neck lightly. "You two best be getting to the infirmary before Poppy sends Minerva to search for you." Hermione smiled, and looked at Harry for a moment. He let her down, smiling slightly. She quickly ran around the desk and threw her arms around Dumbledore, surrounding him in a hug. "Oh my," he said, his glasses slightly off kilter from the force of the hug.
"Thank you," she whispered pulling back. "I'll see you on Saturday." She said. She wanted to come back her after resting and go over everything that happened. She did not want to be left out of the loop anymore.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Dumbledore said as Hermione went back to Harry. She leaned her head against his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his neck. He easily lifted her off the floor, and she felt her body become tired and relaxed once more.
"Come, Mione, let's get to the infirmary and then we can go to bed," Harry said, after saying his goodbyes to the Headmaster. Hermione nodded into his chest, sighing softly.
The walk back to the infirmary was filled with only Hermione's steady breathing. The halls were empty and he made it back to the infirmary without incident. Hermione was fast asleep in his arms when Madame Pomfrey came rushing over to them.
"I'd ask you to place her on one of the beds, but I highly doubt she'll let you go," Pomfrey said with small smile. "Take the bed right through here." She opened a door to a private chamber, possible for Professors who were injured or sick. "I'll check up on you two in the morning, one thing Serge told me is that Hermione already healed both of you well enough that anything else can wait. A change of clothes is on the side table for both of you. Rest tonight and I do not want to hear anything inappropriate. There are two dreamless droughts for you both, please take them." She gave them a soft smile and closed the door behind Harry.
"Love, you've got to wake up," Harry said, laying her on the bed. She only tightened her grip around his neck. "You have to change, and I know you're awake. You're breathings changed." She kept her eyes closed, but smiled slightly. "Now, if I get you your pajamas, will you change?" She nodded, but buried her head in his neck.
"Carry me to them," she whispered loud enough for him to hear.
"Yes, angel," he said. Picking her back up, he carried her to the table with the clothes on. Grabbing both sets of pajamas quickly, Hermione put them in her lap and quickly turned back into Harry's neck. The memories from her childhood of that night were still fresh in her mind even with most of the night's memories slightly faded. "You've got to change first." She nodded into his chest and put the clothes onto the bed.
"Stand by the bed," Hermione said as calmly as she could.
"Yes, angel," he said, laying her gently down. This time she let go of his neck, but picked up his hand. He turned around the best her could change. Harry heard the rustling of clothes, and felt her remove her hand only for a moment before replacing it with her other.
"Done," Hermione said. Harry turned and looked into her eyes. She had her chin down, a shy look in her eyes, along with a small smile. "Your turn." Sliding off his pants, he quickly put on the pair that Madame Pomfrey gave him. He then proceeded to take off the shirt. By now he had caught Hermione's eye and saw, for the first time that day, a little glimmer in them.
"Tease," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. She kissed him lightly before resting her head in the crock of his neck. "You won't leave me will you?" Hermione asked as she shivered. She began to relax once more as he took her down onto the bed with him. He effortlessly summoned a goblet.
"Never. Drink this," he said as he brought it to her lips. He summoned the other one and drank it as well, soon following her into a deep sleep, his arms still protectively around her.
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