A/N: Well, that went well. I believe that my second chapter was a total of 11, 222 words, which just about was double my first chapter. The story is flowing easily in this book now. I can still apply what I wanted to do in the previous story, just I needed to change the plot slightly. For starters, elementals will be introduced early on, but it won't be later until they are full explained. You will probably like this plot better than the other, at least I do. If you do have suggestions, I'll gladly listen to them.
For those wondering, this will be not be a Ron-bashing story, one of those lapses in my better judgment, and Harry and Hermione do get together early in this series. I'm surprised no one commented on the original characters I threw out there.
J.K. Rowlings owns HP and co. I own the OCs and the plots and some places. Thank you for all the reviews. I'm just too lazy to name you all. So thanks.
Chapter Three:
Dark Betrayal
"Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame." - Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Harry walked in front of both Ron and Hermione. Although he had never been to Godric's Hollow, he could not help but feel like he understood where he was going and how to get there. Leading them down a path, Harry could somehow place a lake nearby the house. And at this point and time, he figured it would be far enough away to let them talk in peace.
Harry finally led them to a clearing with a lake to the north. It was one of the most peaceful sights Harry had ever seen. The lake looked calm and the flush forest around once added to the picturesque view. He could here a river running into the lake making a calming sound that helped his nerves as he turned toward Ron, who was still glaring at him.
"Alright Ron," Harry said staring him down. "What did you want?"
"How long?" Ron demanded, making Hermione jump slightly.
"How long what?" Harry asked back.
"How long have you two been going out?" Ron said, rolling his eyes at him. Harry could have sworn Ron mumbled "idiot" under his breath but Harry did not comment on anything.
"We aren't dating," Harry nearly yelled.
"Aren't you?" Ron asked, his face turning red. "You get everything don't you?"
"What are you rambling about?' Harry said as Ron began to walk forward.
"You are the bloody Boy-Who-Lived!" He yelled, poking Harry in the chest.
"And point is?" Harry said calmly. He could see Hermione becoming distressed over this, and was doing his best to keep Ron occupied on him.
"My point is you get away with everything and get all you want!" Ron yelled walking away, only to come back a few seconds later. "You get a bloody Firebolt; you got an Invisibility Cloak; you got the Marauder's Map; you have all the bloody money in the world you could ever need; you have the bloody most famous guy in the world; you can get any bloody girl in the school." All this time, Harry held his hands at his side, balled up in fists. He kept shaking his head as Ron spoke every word bring back the memories he had fought so hard to keep at bay.
"Shut up, shut up, shut UP!" Harry finally screamed. "You don't get it Ron do you?" He stared at Ron, looking him directly in his eyes. Hazed over with anger, Ron did not even comprehend what Harry had said.
"What's there to get?" Ron crossed his arms. "You have everything; I have nothing. And now you're taking the one thing in life that I have a chance to get."
"What are you taking about?" Harry asked, still confused at where this conversation was going.
"You and Hermione are dating now," Ron yelled. "You stole her from me!"
"She's here own person who can decide for herself what she wants," Harry said trying to reason with Ron. But from the look in his eyes there was no reasoning with him. "And I already told you we're not dating."
"Bullshit!" Ron yelled at him, causing Hermione to jump once more. "I saw the way you two were looking at each other. You are not taking this from me." Ron moved to take something out of his robes.
"Ron!" Harry and Hermione cried at once, both drawing their wands, but Ron in this moment of fury was faster.
"Imperio! Stupefy!" Ron pointed his wand toward Hermione and then Harry, who fell stiffly to the ground. "You will love me unconditional. Now why are you pointing your wand at your lover? " Harry heard Ron speak and Hermione's wand drop; his mind began to fight off the curse. He began to regain control of his arms and legs as Ron walked over to Hermione. "Kiss me like you would only kiss your lover." Ron's voice commanded.
Harry watched in horror as Hermione leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Ron. She gave him a seductive smile before leaning forward. Just as Harry got full control of his body, he watched as a look of clarity overcame Hermione. She quickly removed her arms and slapped Ron across the face.
"Sick pervert," she spat, as she moved to slap him once more. Ron quickly grabbed her wrist, tightening his hold on it. Seeing Hermione wince, Harry forgot everything he knew about being a wizard and speared Ron to the ground, causing him to drop Hermione.
Standing up quickly, he ran over to Hermione checking to see if she was okay. She held the wrist that Ron had grabbed, tears rolling down her face.
"You okay?" Harry asked, picking up both of her hands in his own. Before Hermione could have a chance to respond, Ron speared Harry.
Ron, however, did not just stop there. Once Harry was one the ground, he began to be pummeled by a series of kicks and punches. Harry felt an immense pain rise in his chest as a series of blows connected with it. All the while, he heard Ron talking.
"You get everything," Ron said as he kicked him. "So you should get these. Would go well with your ego." Ron began to laugh more and more as he tried to hurt Harry. All of a sudden, Harry heard someone scream and the kicking stopped. Looking up, he saw Hermione on Ron's back, trying to move him away, only to be pulled off and through to ground. "Bitch." Ron spat, before kicking her once. "Looks like I'm going have to teach you to love me after I take care of our best friend. Stupefy!" Ron pointed his wand at Hermione. Her body became ridged, but her eyes remained aware. "You don't get it, Herms do you?" Ron said. Harry tried to get up, coughing the blood as he moved to his knees. Ron gave him a swift kick to gut, causing him to cough up more blood.
"He's the reason that you got hurt last year!" Ron yelled. "He's the reason that you were petrified in our second year. He's the bloody reason those damn voice keep haunting me!" He kicked Harry a few more times. Harry heard that sound of something breaking as Ron kicked one last time. "That all ends today." Harry looked over to see Ron pulling something that looked like a wand out of his robes. Ron knelt down next to Harry.
"I want you to beg, Harry," Ron said, playing with whatever he pulled out from his robes. "Beg for you life. Beg and you may live."
"What happened Ron?" Harry choked as the blood. He would not beg for his life, if anything, death would be his next greatest adventure.
"He opened his eyes to the truth," Ron said venomously. He grabbed Harry's hair, pulling him to his knees. There a moment of silence as Ron waited, for what Harry could not understand. "Won't beg, will you? Even the Great Harry Potter is above life."
"Death is only the beginning," Harry said. Harry looked deep into Ron's eyes, trying to find a hint of what was controlling him. He only found a red snake slithering behind Ron's eyes.
"But for you it is the end," Ron said, as Harry felt something sharp pierce his chest. His hands moved to his chest and he looked down at the hilt of a knife sticking out from the center of his chest.
"Stupefy!" A voice cried. Ron fell to the ground "Ennervate!" Harry's head began to get light headed as Hermione's arms surrounded him. His vision began to get foggy, but the tears falling on his face caused him to regain some of his vision.
"`Mione?" Harry asked as he felt someone move his knees out from underneath him.
"Keep him still," a voice said. Harry's mind began to slip and the only thoughts in his mind began to be directed toward Hermione. "Damn kid, did a marvel on you."
"Can we move him?" Serge asked, coming into view.
"No, too much damage has been done for him to be moved right away," the voice said. Harry felt Hermione grasp his hand tightly.
"Hold on Harry," Hermione whispered to him. "I need you. Please don't go." Harry tried to open his mouth, but found a fit of coughing, complementary blood included.
"Go any potions in that bag of wonders?" Serge asked. As death's grasp became stronger, the more Serge looked like Harry's father.
"This isn't the time for jokes," the voice reprimanded. "And no, no potions that would be helpful. The cut is deep, and if we remove the knife, it will create more problems. We may need to try alternatives."
"You're not saying what I think you are, Guile," Serge said. His voice grew serious, something very uncommon for him.
"It may be our only chance to save him and ourselves," Guile said, now identified as the voice. "You're going to have to defend us as I tend to the rest of the injuries."
"Defend us from what?" Hermione asked.
"Death Eaters," Harry choked out. A searing pain in his scar began to grown. Hermione's grip grew on his hand.
"Fine," Serge said, suddenly serious. "Give me room." He knelt on the other side of Harry; Hermione held his hand and he heard a gasp.
Trying to concentrate, Harry watched as Serge had removed his jacket already and rolled back the sleeve of his right arm to show a glove that extend to his elbow. He removed the glove, showing a metal casing, starting right below the elbow. But at the glove came off, Harry saw the absence of any prosthetic hand. Where the hand was supposed to start, the metal casing ended and then nothing.
"Harry, I need you to stay perfectly still," Serge said, all happiness gone from his face. At the top of the casing, Harry could see a lens lighting up. Slowly a white liquid appeared to be coming out of the lens, and Serge seemed to be concentrated hard and holding his arm steady with his left hand.
"You'll like this," Guile said as Harry's mind began to slip even more.
"Shut up," Serge angrily said. "I need to concentrate." The white liquid began to take shape and soon was a hand. "Guile, I need you to pull out the knife." A sudden sharp pain in his chest would have made tears fall down his face, but with Hermione by his side, he held in the pain. The sharp pain soon was replaced by a burning sensation. Harry looked up slightly to see the liquid had now taken the form of a hand and the white hand was placed over the wound.
"Its okay, Harry" Hermione whispered, squeezing his hand tightly. "Everything will be okay." An explosion jolted the ground, causing Serge to lift his head up.
"The wound is clean and shouldn't bleed anymore," Serge said, standing up. The hand turned quickly back into a liquid, and smoothly transformed into a sword. "He should be able to stand with help. Try and get him back to the house." There was a flicker and the sword had changed color to a yellow, but it wasn't as bright as the hand that had been formed.
"Help me," Guile said. Harry felt Guile's and Hermione's hands on his shoulders, pulling him up. Harry moaned as a pain filled his chest, but a soft touch from Hermione helped ease it. "You've got a talent in healing, Miss." Guile said, letting Harry's weight rest on Hermione for a moment.
"What?" Hermione asked. Guile never had the chance to answer as the sound of a repeating gun echoed through the now darkened forest. Serge's sword of yellow light gave off only light and was growing stronger as it raced toward them.
"Get the hell down!" Serge yelled as he ran toward them. Immediately the light was out. Harry felt himself being pulled down as there were more gun shots. "Damn bastards got guns now." Harry felt his head roughly hit the ground and he moaned once more.
"How do you stop that?" Hermione asked the panic evident in her voice. She now was kneeling beside him.
"You just watch out for him," Serge said, creating a new light. This light was similar to a Muggle black light, accenting the lighter tones of the clothes. "I can deal with them, but it is going to be harder. Shame really, I just got out of prison." The joking portion of his personality had returned, but only slightly.
"Don't you dare kill one of them," Hermione said forcefully.
"I won't," Serge said, a metal shaft appearing in his left hand. The color of the light had changed as well, to a dark blue this time. Immediately, two blades appeared on both ends of the shaft. Still holding the weapon, his glove floated over the casing and his right hand had reformed. "But they'll wish I did. They come any nearer to that house, I will hurt someone." A smile grew on his face, and Harry felt Hermione flinch beside him. The blue light gave Serge the look of a dead man, and the smile only made it worse. "Guile, take this." A glowing small black orb was tossed to him, giving the same impression as the light from Serge's "hand."
"Alright," Guile grasped it and a dome appeared over them. The dome itself was almost a carbon copy of the small orb in Guile's hand. "Get going." Serge nodded once and disappeared through the dome.
"What is all of this?" Hermione asked. Harry listened, finding sometimes it was better to do that than to speak. He was beginning to understand that both Serge and Guile were gifted different ways of magic than the rest of the world.
"No time," Guile said, standing up. Harry stood with the help of Hermione, who hadn't let go of his hand since they started this ordeal. The pain began to mount in his scar. "Boy, you're burning up." Harry could barely make out the man taking out a small cloth and a vial. He poured whatever was in the vial onto the cloth and handed it to Hermione. "Place that on his forehead. Should help keep the fever down."
"Alright," Hermione whispered as she placed the cloth over Harry's forehead. Whether it was her hand being there, or the vial, it didn't matter. A cooling feeling ran over his body as long as her hand was up there.
"Can you walk?" Guile asked.
"Yeah," Harry said, looking over at Hermione in the dim light. The small orb gave off a soft hazel light, and he found he could see her perfectly. "As long as you stay near." He looked directly into her eyes as she pulled down the cloth. She nodded once as they began a slow walk. "Wait, what about Ron?"
"What about him?" Guile asked, staring back at Harry.
"We can't just leave him," Harry said, trying to take a step outside of the dome. Both Hermione and Guile held him back.
"Your friend stabbed you in the chest and if not for Serge you'd be dead. You can't stand by yourself yet and there is still the probably of some internal bleeding," Guile said sternly. "Why go back for him?"
"Because that wasn't Ron," Harry said, straightening his stance. Although it caused him a great deal of pain, he stood straight, staring Guile in the eye.
"How do you know that?"
"Ron may be a prat at times, but that wasn't Ron," Harry said firmly, if only to convince himself. And once more before Guile had a chance to respond to someone, they were thrown to the ground, a force hitting their dome. Harry felt the pain in his chest grow worse as he landed on the ground.
The dome was down and any protection that they had was gone. He could see the dual dull blue blades that Serge weld and moving swiftly through the forest, almost like he was fencing the shadows. Guile looked like he was out cold, blood running down his forehead. Hermione lay only a few feet next to him. Seeing the swollen lip she now wore, his anger began to build only to be released as she took a breath, which happened to be combined with a moan. Harry spotted the small black orb glowing in the darkness. Despite the growing pain in not only his chest, but his side as well, Harry crawled over to the orb, grasping it tightly in his hand, like Guile had done.
Sure enough a dome, not as bright as Guile, but a dome had surrounded them. Gathering what strength remained in him, he crawled to Hermione's side. She held the same wrist that Ron had grabbed in her other hand, both cut up. Tears were rolling down her cheeks as Harry moved next to her.
"Sssh," he whispered as he tried to wrap an arm around her. The pain began to subside as he touched her. "We're safe."
"It hurts," Hermione whispered to him. "It hurts so much." He pulled her close as his own head got heavy. "Please don't leave me."
"As long as you don't leave me," Harry said, pulling her into his chest.
"We have to stay awake Harry," Hermione said through her sobs. Harry nodded, trying to keep the darkness at bay as he comforted her and held the dome up. "What about Ron?"
"You're my main concern at the moment," Harry said, running his hand through her hair. He heard Guile groan from a few feet away.
"What the hell?" He said as he regained his composure. "How is this up?"
"I have it in my hand, sir," Harry said, trying to keep Hermione still. She had her hand cradled between both of them, tears still falling from the pain. Although it still hurt immensely, the pain in Harry's chest had dulled slightly.
"How did you know how to make it work?" Guile asked, sitting up, rubbing his head. "Damn that's gonna be a bitch to fix." He looked over at Harry, holding a handful of his own blood. "Well?"
"I just held it in my hands, sir," Harry said, opening his hand up. "It's not as strong as the one you had, but it is holding."
"Keep it going then," Guile said, removing a cloth from his robe. "I've got to fix this cut or at least stop it."
"Battle!" Serge's voice yelled. Guile began to laugh slightly as he applied pressure to the wound.
"Damn idiot," Guile said, wincing slightly from his own pressure. "I'd be surprised if he doesn't get himself killed one of these days." He began to crawl over to the two of them. "What trouble did you two get into?"
"She hurt her wrist," Harry said as he moved Hermione slightly off of his chest. She whimpered a bit as Guile looked at it.
"Not too bad, you did break through I'm afraid," Guile slowly released the hand and Hermione brought it back to her chest. "Think you can stand up son?"
"Not after that last hit, no," Harry said shaking his head. Not that he wanted to at the moment. He was completely content with staying here with Hermione as she was leaning into his chest. "Why can't you fix it?"
"I would, son," Guile tried to laugh. "But I don't have my wand, dropped it when we fell, and neither do you two. In fact, both of them are near your buddy. Can you stand?"
"I don't think I could even if I'd tried," Harry said, not bothering to move.
"You're side's bleeding," Hermione said, touching him. He winced under the slight touch and could see his blood on her fingers.
"I should have something…" Guile voice died off as he looked through his robes for something. "Ah, here." He handed Hermione a vial with another cloth. "Place that against the wound, it'll disinfect it and help stop the bleeding." Hermione nodded as she reached over with her good hand. Harry held her other; trying to make sure it did not move too much. From time to time, she still winced as she maneuvered the cloth onto the wound. Harry felt a burning sensation grow slowly in his side, but didn't make any movement. Hermione had not moved off his chest since he had pulled her onto it and he truthfully did not want her to leave.
"How long do you think we'll have to wait?" Hermione asked as Harry moved some of her hair out of her face.
"Depends on how long Serge can last out there and how many of them are there," Guile said, lying back down. "Now you two try to stay awake as I go unconscious." With that, Guile had looked like he had fallen into a ridged sleep, his breathing labored slightly.
"What now?" Hermione said, lying back down on Harry. She kept the cloth on his side, but Harry was holding her other hand, making sure she did not move it.
"We'll have to wait I guess," Harry said, making sure the orb was held tightly in his hand. "How are you, besides your hand?"
"I'm fine, just a little cut up," Hermione smiled, leaning against his chest. He wrapped an arm around her. "How about you? I'm not hurting you, am I?" She moved to sit up, but Harry's arm kept her close.
"No, Mione," Harry said with a smile. "You just being here the pain so much easier to bear."
"Silencio!" A loud voice yelled. Harry head snapped around, trying to figure out where it came from. The pain began to fill his head once more.
"Harry!" Harry tried to sit up, but Hermione's weight and the pain in his chest kept him down. He knew the voice: Lupin.
"Moony?" Harry tried to call out, only to begin coughing.
"Relax Harry," Hermione said, wiping some of the blood from his mouth. "They'll find us. Serge knows were we are, and will show them that." Harry nodded, almost letting the darkness get him, but a gentle kiss on the forehead snapped his mind back to reality. Harry opened his eyes, looking at a blushing Hermione. "You need to stay awake."
"You wake me up like that again, I'll marry you," Harry said, flashing her a smile. She began to blush even more. "Mione, I mean it. Seeing you hurt once more nearly killed me. You're too precious and beautiful to be hurt like you were today." He allowed his face to move closer to hers. "I can't stand seeing you hurt again. I love you too much to see you hurt."
"You what?" Hermione asked, tears beginning to fall down her face. Harry could only smile as he moved forward to kiss the tears away. The pain in his head began to grow, making it harder to more or even breathe.
"I love you," Harry strained to say. His head began to get heavier and his chest had begun to fill up with pain. He never heard Hermione answer, the darkness finally took over.
* * * * *
"Please wake up," a gentle loving voice said. "I love you too, Harry. Please wake up." Harry began to feel the tears and weight of someone on his chest. "I love you Harry, you've got to come back."
"Mione?" Harry hoarsely said. He opened his eyes to see her crying beside him, her right hand wrapped up. She was clinging to his arm, eyes closed with tears flowing easily.
"I love you Harry," Hermione whispered, pulling his arm closer to her. Harry could only smile, which was the extent of his movement.
"I love you too," Harry whispered back, watching her fitful sleep becoming calm. He began to discern the emotion that had captured his heart fully since the beginning of the summer. All he needed now was more reassurance that it truly was love.
"Glad you finally admitted it Harry," a voice said. Harry tried to turn his head, but it felt too heavy to do so. "I'd prefer to stay out of your sight but since you seemed hell-bent on seeing me." Serge moved his chair into Harry's line of sight.
"Where are you?" Harry asked as Serge handed him a glass of water.
"Drink that first, than we'll talk," Serge said with somewhat of a smile. "A suppose you want to know I happened out there, right?" Harry nodded, drinking the glass slowly. "Shit, son, you start of the tough questions right away huh?" Serge sighed and leaned back in his chair. Serge was wearing the same thing had worn the night of the attack, from the looks of it, he had seen quite a bit of battle. The shirt was torn and blood seemed to be splattered at some spots, whether his or another's Harry did not want to ask.
"Well, I have a sense when it comes to people," Serge said leaning forward in his chair. "Let me take that from you." A bright white…thing came floating toward Harry and took the glass and placed it on the table nearby the bed. "Anyways, like I was saying I can read faces and emotions well, and I knew something was wrong with Mister Weasley, your friend. Me and Guile followed you down to the lake. We came in around the time when Hermione slapped Ron, so we figured whatever he said or did she rejected. At first we thought it was a fight between friends, you know, the kind that sometimes happen when something happens that the other doesn't accept or understand, or even what to acknowledge. But when Ron drew the knife, we tried to get there as fast as we could. The rest you know." Serge leaned back in his chair, placing the metal casing on his right arm on his lap.
"What did you do exactly?" Harry asked with wonder. The white light still was beneath the lens in the metal casing.
"That is a story for another time and another day," Serge said, half-smiling. "Besides, I've too got to get check by the matriarch of medicine, Madame Pomfrey. Guile does a great job too, but she doesn't trust his "shaman" ways of healing." Serge just laughed and stood up from his chair. "I'll let Remus know that you're awake. He hasn't left since this happened."
"How long have I been out?" Harry asked as Serge left the room.
"Long enough," he responded. "Now there are a few others that wish to see you. One I will not allow at all, but the others are up to you."
"Who won't you allow?" Harry asked, looking from Hermione to Serge.
"Young Mister Weasley," Serge's smile faltered. "The one who attacked you. Until I am sure that you aren't in immediate danger or even indirect, he stays away. And before you ask why, the answer is some of us gave up more than their share to see this war end." With that, he left the room. It was a moment or two before someone else came, leaving Harry time to reflect on what happened. Serge was holding something back, but did not want it to be known yet. Harry still wanted to know why Ron attacked him like he did.
"Harry?" Lupin said, sticking his head into the room. He drew Harry away from the questions upon his mind. "You okay?" He cautiously entered the room, and Harry was slightly surprised to see Tonks behind him. He nodded once as Lupin sat down. Even in the dim light, he looked older beyond his years. "Good, I was very worried." He spoke with a sigh of relief. He placed a hand on Harry's shoulder squeezing it gently.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked, directing the question toward Tonks instead of Lupin.
"He'll be fine after a few days rest," Tonks said, blushing slightly. "Now," she sat down on the edge of the bed, between him and Lupin. "What happened between you and Ron?" Harry looked down at Hermione, dreading the question. "Serge told us that there are some complications that you'd have to explain." Harry nodded once as he began to get feeling back in his arm.
"Ron…he attacked me with a knife," Harry said, bring his arm closer around Hermione. "He also hurt Hermione. I'd rather not speak with him, until I talk with Dumbledore."
"That's fine Harry," Lupin said with a smile. "What is important is that you're safe now, and so is Hermione." He began to chuckle. "Madame Pomfrey was only able to attend to her wrist. You wouldn't let her any nearer. She fainted when we brought you back, placed her in a separate room, and somehow, you got her in here with you. Dumbledore was in fact the one who told us to leave you together. Said sometime the comfort of the ones we love is all the medicine we need at times." Lupin looked up at Tonks, who placed a hand over his. Harry smiled, looking down at Hermione.
"Can I ask a question?" Harry said, looking over a Lupin once more. He nodded once, as Tonks stood up from the bed. "How do you know what love is?"
"I…um…" Lupin stumbled over the words.
"Love is unexplainable Harry," Tonks said, placing her hand over Lupin's once more. "There are sometimes emotions that only a few invoke within someone, and only one person to invoke the strongest emotions of them all. The first group is called family, and the second is your lover, your confidante, the one person you know you want to be with for the rest of your life." She was blushing as she said all of this, and Lupin, to apparently both of their surprises, stood up and kissed her cheek.
"Harry, there are a few things that Nymphadora and I must discuss," Lupin said, taking her hand and helping her. She began to blush even more. "If you would please excuse us." Lupin linked their arms and together they walked out of the room. Harry looked back down at Hermione. He had seen love in Lupin's eyes as he looked toward Tonks, he was sure of it. He could only hope that was want was warming his heart at the moment.
"I love you, Mione," Harry said softly. "And I'll stop at nothing to keep you safe. No one should harm wonderful."
"You mean it?" Hermione asked, looking up at him. He felt a little shock go through his system; he honestly did not expect her to be awake at the moment. Tear-reddened eyes and all, Harry gazed into beauty.
"Yes," Harry whispered. Her eyes began to get teary once more, and with what strength he had, he pulled her onto his lap. "I'll be damned if you ever leave my side."
"Good, you two are awake," Madame Pomfrey said, walking into the room. Harry only pulled Hermione closer as the nurse came over. "Relax, Potter, I must attend to both of your wounds." Relaxing slightly, Harry allowed Pomfrey to give Hermione a few potions and perform a charm on her wrist. "Now for you Mister Potter." Her face grew stern as she pulled out several vials and bottles. "There is a lot of damage that must be fixed, Mister Potter, you need your rest and must take these."
"Can I give them to him?" Hermione asked from his lap. Madame Pomfrey looked at her for a moment before nodding. Harry relaxed; he knew Madame Pomfrey would not hurt him, but there was more surety in Hermione's hands than hers. "Thank you." Hermione said, taking a small blue bottle. One by one, she began to give him the potions. By the time she was done, Harry felt like his throat was one fire, but his head felt much better.
"Amazing Miss Granger," Madame Pomfrey said as she cleaned up the empty bottles and vials. "Correct order and everything, my Lord." Madame Pomfrey began to mumble underneath her breath as she walked out the door. Hermione began to blush once more.
"My perfect prefect," Harry whispered kissing her on the cheek. Her blush only grew deeper. They sat in silence, and Harry had never found a more comfortable one before in his life.
"So where do we go from here?" Hermione asked, leaning into Harry's embrace.
"Where do you want to go?" Harry asked, running a hand through his hair. "I feel safe here, and don't plan on going anywhere."
"I mean about us," Hermione turned to look at him, straddling his lap. "Where do we stand?"
"Well, if you want," Harry said, leaning forward, "we could take this to the next level." Her eyes began to light up as he moved closer. "And maybe you'd want to be my girlfriend?" Harry found to arms around his neck and the most wonderful taste in his mouth. By the time his system needed air, he found his body begging for more. "So is that a yes?" Harry asked slyly moving closer. Before Hermione had a chance to answer, he had captured her lips once more.
"I love you Harry James Potter," Hermione sighed, breathing deeply.
"And I love you Hermione Jane Granger," Harry said, planting small kisses on her cheek. "And I swear, you aren't leaving my side for the rest of my life." Harry thought to himself as he pulled her close. He moved Hermione once more, letting her rest her head on his shoulder.
"Ah, good," Dumbledore said walking into the room. Immediately both of them disengaged from each other. Harry risked the glance over at Hermione, noticing her blush. He picked up her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "There are some things that we muse discuss."
"Would you like me to leave?" Hermione asked. Harry immediately sent her a pleading look, squeezing her hand tighter. He answered before Dumbledore was able to.
"Whatever Dumbledore has to say, he can say in front of you," Harry said, removing his hand from hers and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "I need you." He whispered softly to her before kissing her cheek. Hermione began to blush as she settled back onto the bed.
"It is better if you stay, Hermione," Dumbledore said sitting in the chair on the side of the bed. "There is something that I hope that Harry can help you deal with."
"What, sir?" Hermione said, a worried expression filling her face.
"There are several things that must be told to you today," Dumbledore said leaning forward. "The first is good news. You know that your mother is adopted correct." Hermione nodded her head, looking at Harry, then the professor. Harry could only look at her, in wonder about another fact he had not known about her. "She never found out who her biological parents were did she?" She shook her head once more.
"Why do you want to know, sir?" Hermione asked with uncertainty.
"You have met your Grandmother countless times, Hermione," Dumbledore said with a smile. "In fact, she has helped you quite often with some of your own problems, if I'm not mistaken." She gave him a baffled look. "She is also your head of your house."
"No," Hermione said, placing her hand over her mouth. Harry looked at her, puzzled slightly.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall is your grandmother," Dumbledore said with a smile. "And not only that, but she is also Serge's aunt, from his maternal side." Harry looked back at Dumbledore.
"That would mean Serge is your mother's cousin," Harry said, looking back at Hermione. "This is way to confusing. How are you holding up?" Small tears of joy were falling down her face. She wore a small smile on her face.
"Mum's mum is alive," Hermione said, grasping onto Harry's shirt. Joy looked like it was bursting from her face. "Oh, I have to owl her. She's been dying to meet her since she was born." She looked over at Dumbledore who had seemed to show his age once more.
"There is something else," Dumbledore said with a sigh. Harry moved his arm around her protectively, knowing a bomb was about to be dropped. "This morning, we were informed that there had been an attack upon a Muggle residence. The three Muggles that lived there have gone missing." Boom. Harry could see the tears beginning to form in her eyes. "Hermione, I'm sorry to say but-"
"No!" She sat up abruptly. "No it can't be true! Check it again; check it a hundred times more. My family isn't missing!" She screamed as the tears ran down her face. Harry pulled her back into his embrace, allowing Dumbledore to continue.
"I sent my most trusted man," Dumbledore said. He removed his half-moon glasses and rubbed his eyes. "And he reported to me directly." He opened his eyes and looked at both of them, but Hermione kept her head turned into Harry's chest. "There is much of our family history that you will have to understand. In time, everything will be told to you both. But right now, Harry, I want you to look after her." Harry kissed Hermione's head softly before looking at Dumbledore once more.
"She'll be treated like nothing less than a princess," Harry pulled her closer to him as he tried to comfort her. Dumbledore clapped a hand on Harry's knee before standing up.
"I am sure that you have realized that you are back in your room at my home," Dumbledore said as he stood. "The Weasley's are here as well, as several Order members. You may stay in your room as long as you like, food will be delivered for both of you."
"Thank you sir," Harry said, moving all of his attention to the woman in his arms. "Everything will be alright." He said, running a hand through her hair. "I'm here for you `Mione." He pulled her head up to look at him. He began to search her reddened eyes. He saw pain, and the one emotion he knew too well: loneliness. "You are not alone, Mione. I'm here with you. I told you, I'm here." He pointed at her heart. "And here I'm going to stay. The moment you said `I love you' to me, the moment my heart locked you within it. It probably has been locked in there longer, but only now did I see you the way my heart has known you for my entire life." Hermione began to shed more tears, but her eyes shone bright with compassion and love.
"You mean it?" Hermione asked, wrapping her arms around him. Harry nodded, kissing her lightly on the lips. "You won't leave me?"
"No force on earth can take me from your heart," Harry said choosing his words carefully. He knew she was now under threat from Voldemort, and he would do everything in his power to keep her safe, but his powers were not strong enough at the moment. But time always leads to change.
"Thank you," Hermione said, tears still rolling down her face. She leaned her head against his chest
"Let's go to bed," Harry offered. "We can talk more about this in the morning." They pulled the covers out from underneath them and Harry slid in first then Hermione. He wrapped his arms around her protectively, pulling her closer. Despite her sniffling, Harry felt her breathing relax and finally her sleeping on his chest. "I'm here for you `Mione." He kissed her forehead as best as he could, feeling her move into it.
Harry lay away for a long time, watching Hermione sleeping. Soon, he had memorized everything about her face that he did not already know. He found himself loving this, lying there with her sleeping on his chest as he held her close. "You were there for me when I need you Mione, and now, heaven and earth will be moved before I leave you side when you need it."
Time slowly passed by and by the time Hermione awoke, it was close to supper time. Hermione's eyes no longer held a tired look to them, but still red and beautiful. She gave him a small smile as she stretched, followed by a confused look.
"Were you here the entire time?" Hermione asked, as he wrapped his arms around her once more.
"Where else do you expect me to be?" He said with a smile. "I told you I'd never leave you, and I never will." Hermione began to blush at this, but clung to his chest.
"I don't want to go out there yet," she said into his chest. Harry slowly began to play with her hair, running his fingers through it. "I want to be safe. I want to be with you."
"You are safe," Harry said to her. "And you are with me. I'm not going anywhere without you from now on." He chuckled to himself slightly. "Dumbledore even said he could have food delivered up here if you wished." She looked up at him with expecting eyes. "Alright, we can get some if you wish." She nodded, returning to Harry's chest. "Just wonder how we are going to get it?" Harry thought to himself as played with her hair once more.
"Dobby will be pleased to help you," the small house elf said with a "pop." Hermione turned out of Harry's chest to look. "Don't worry, miss, Dobby's gets paid." Hermione smiled slightly and turned back into his chest.
"We'd like some dinner," Harry said as he felt her release a sigh.
"Dobby will get that for you some dinner," with another "pop" the small house elf disappeared. They lay in silence one more, as Harry began to play with her hair. It was only a matter of minutes before a tray appeared on the table in the room.
"Come on, Mione," Harry said, sitting up. "Dinner's ready." She nodded but did not lessen her grip around his body. "Fine, will you at least sit up." She nodded and drew her body closer as Harry helped her sit up. "Now, Accio tray!" the tray gracefully floated over to them, and landed beside Harry.
He noticed the two plates with sandwiches fixed on them as well as smaller plates with pumpkin pie on them. Two glasses of Butterbeer were also on the tray. He picked up one of the plates and pulled Hermione onto his lap with his other arm.
"Open wide," Harry said, lifting the sandwich to Hermione's mouth. She gave him an incredulous look, but did as she was told. Harry moved the sandwich closer allowing her to take a bite of it. Harry could only chuckle as she grabbed the sandwich herself and started to finish it.
"I'm not a child," she said between bites. She glared at him, to which he could only give her his knock-out grin. Her glared melted off her face as she continued to eat.
"I know," Harry said, taking a bite of his own sandwich. "I feel like pampering you." She began to blush as he pulled up a glass of pumpkin juice.
"I think I'll let you pamper me later," she said in a whisper as she made a grab for the glass. He pulled it back, careful not to spill any. She gave a sigh, knowing he would not let her win this. "Just as long as you stay close, I think I'll be fine." She said before sipping the glass as Harry held it in his hand.
"Well, I'm not going anywhere," Harry said, placing the glass down and kissing her lightly on the lips. He could still taste the pumpkin juice on her lips. "I love you, Mione. I'll protect you forever."
"I will protect you too," Hermione said, forcefully gazing at him. "I'll be by your side Harry through everything. As far as I know, I've lost everyone in my family, everyone that I know. I may have a grandmother and a second cousin, but I don't know they well enough to call them family yet." Harry felt her pull him closer, burying her head in his neck. "I'm going to follow you to the ends of the earth if it takes that much, I can't lose you too Harry, I just can't."
"You won't Mione," Harry said, feeling the tears on his neck. "I'll beat him. Not for the world, but for you, so you and I can be together in peace." He turned and picked up one of the pies. "Now, back to the pampering." He smiled widely as she moved out of his neck. "After we finish, we'll get a book and read together."
"I really don't feel like reading right now," Hermione said, looking at him. She brought a hand up and ran it through his hair. He winced as she moved toward the back. "You've got a nasty bump." She finally looked at him. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," Harry said, moving the pie toward her. "Now eat up." Hermione began to blush as she ate the pie out of Harry's hands.
"Are you every going to let me do anything for myself?" Hermione asked as he leaned closer. He smiled, ignoring the question.
"You've got some pie, right there," Harry said, kissing the spot. He moved toward her lips, softly and tenderly. He felt her release a small moan, but then quickly pulled back from him.
"No, Harry," Hermione said, leaning into his embrace as he held out his arms. "I'm sorry, I just can't…I'm just-" She broke down in sobs.
"Hermione," Harry said, lifting her head to look at him. "You are the one who decides how far we'll take it, alright?" She nodded, leaning back into his chest. "I'll be here for you, forever and longer."
"I just want to-" Hermione started to speak, but Harry hushed her.
"And I just want you," Harry said, running his hand through her hair. "And if you want to take it slow, we'll take it slow. Now," he waved his hand, and the tray gracefully floated back to the table. "What book do you want?"
"I just want to sleep," Hermione snuggled closer to Harry. He smiled and wrapped his arms back around her.
"Then we will sleep," he said as he slide them beneath the covers.
"You're better than a teddy bear," Hermione said through a yawn. Harry smiled as he too closed his eyes. The nightmares resided as Hermione snuggled closer and he found the flutter in his heart. He found the emotion he had searched for his entire life: love.