Author's Notes: Hey everyone, this is the very first fan fiction I wrote back in 2001, so please be gentle. I found this when I was doing some computer clean up and decided to send it in and see what feedback I can get from it. I hope you all enjoy it and please as always send me some feedback..
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Chapter One: The Adventure Begins
"What do you want you filthy little, Mudblood?"
Watching Harry and Ron walk away from her laughing, Hermione shook her head. That wasn't Ron and Harry. They would never call her that awful name. They were her friends. This was just another nightmare.
"Wake up, Hermione. I have to wake up now."
"You aren't going anywhere, Mudblood. My Master wishes to see you."
Feeling the color drain from her face, Hermione shook her curly brown head. "No, this is a dream. I'm at home, and I'm safe in my bed. Come on Hermione, wake up."
"You may be in your bed Mudblood, but you are never safe. Here, let me prove my point. Crucio," Wormtail yelled pointing his wand at the young teenager.
Curling into a ball, Hermione did the only thing she could do. She screamed as pain and agony washed over her body. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her body twitched from the curse placed on her. Little did Hermione know, but her screams could be heard by her parents where were trying to wake her from her torment.
In Surrey, a very disturbed Harry Potter thrashed around in his bed. He could see what was happening to Hermione not to mention his scar was burning very painfully. Hearing the curse being placed on his friend, Harry jerked awake.
"HERMIONE!!"
Sitting up, Harry immediately rubbed his scar. Grabbing his glasses, he looked at his alarm clock. It was 3 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Hearing his Uncle yelling at him through his door, Harry got out of bed. Opening the door, he looked up at a red faced Uncle Vernon.
"What is the meaning for all this yelling this early in the morning?!"
"I'm sorry, Uncle Vernon. I had another nightmare."
"Another nightmare! Harry Potter, if you wake me up again I'll throw you out of my house before the sun rises. Do I make myself clear?!"
Nodding his head, Harry frowned and narrowed his eyes. If his Uncle thought his threats scarred him, then he had another thing coming. He had all ready faced Voldemort at the end of last year and survived. Any threats his Uncle threw at him was mere childish threats.
"Yes, Uncle Vernon."
Shutting his bed room door, Harry immediately grabbed a piece of parchment. He had to get a letter to Professor Dumbledore and find out how Hermione was. Finishing the letter, Harry quickly tied to Hedwig's leg.
"Hedwig, get this to Professor Dumbledore as fast as you can. Hermione's life depends on it."
Watching his pet fly out of the window, Harry quickly got dressed. There was no way he could go back to sleep now. Rising to his feet, Harry began to pace his floor. He knew it would take Hedwig longer than five minutes, but with the fierce beating of his heart Harry couldn't' help but be worried. If his friends could be reached that easily in their sleep, then Voldemort could do anything he wanted to them. After thirty minutes passed, Harry knew he couldn't wait any more. Using magic before he was a full fledged wizard was a means for expulsion. He didn't care. All that mattered was getting to Hermione as fast as he could.
Grabbing his Firebolt, Harry walked over to his window. Balancing on the window seal, he pushed himself out of the window. For three agonizing seconds Harry found himself falling. A second later he was in the air. Soaring through the air, Harry headed for the clouds. Flying as fast as he could, he was determined to help his friend. Landing in front of Hermione's house, Harry pounded on the door.
"Hermione!"
Hearing a young man's voice yelling, Mr. Granger quickly ran to the front door. Opening it, he was shocked to see Harry Potter standing before him. He had heard Hermione talking about the young man before. She had mentioned several times how much she worried about him all the time.
"Harry, what are you doing here? Please come in."
"Thank you, sir. I'm sorry to come over at this hour, but I was worried about Hermione. Is she all right," Harry asked walking into the Granger's home.
"She's fine, Harry. She's sleeping peacefully after her nightmare. Though, her mother and I have no idea what happened. Hermione was screaming one minute, then the next she was sleeping peacefully."
"May I see her, Mr. Granger? Please, sir."
Opening his mouth to deny the request, Matthew Granger quickly closed it seeing the desperate look in Harry's eyes. "All right, Harry. Follow me," he said smiling at his wife's approving look as he lead Harry up the stairs and toward Hermione's bed room. Opening the door, he walked in quietly with Harry close behind him. "I'll be downstairs if she needs me."
"I understand, sir. I'll come get you immediately."
Nodding his head, Matthew closed the door and headed down the stairs. Meeting his wife at the bottom of the stairs, he smiled. "She's still sleeping peacefully. How do you think Harry knew Hermione was having a nightmare?"
"I'm not sure, but I can see how much he cares about her."
"Yes, the look of worry on his face was unmistakable."
After Mr. Granger left, Harry grabbed a chair. Placing it beside Hermione's bed, he gently took her hand into his own. He wanted to wake her up just to make sure she was all right. He knew from experience how much the Crucio curse hurt. Leaning forward, he placed a soft kiss on Hermione's cheek.
"I'm so sorry, Hermione. I should have realized that Voldemort would come after you and Ron. I'm sorry he hurt you because of me. It's all my fault."
"Harry, is that you," Hermione asked as she slowly opened her chocolate brown eyes.
"Hey, you are supposed to be sleeping," he said smiling down at her.
"And you are supposed to be at the Dursley's, Harry. How did you get here anyway?"
"I flew."
"What?! Harry, you could be expelled for using magic away from Hogwarts."
"I don't care, Hermione. I couldn't sit at my house waiting for hours to find out how you were doing."
"Harry, how did you know about my nightmare?"
"Because it wasn't a nightmare, Hermione. Voldemort sent Wormtail to attack you in your dreams, and it is all my fault like Cedric's death was my fault."
"Harry, no one blames you for Cedric's death. You had no idea it was a trap when you offered to tie for first place right?"
"Right."
"All right. You are not to blame, Harry."
"But if you and Ron weren't my friends, then the two of you would be a lot safer."
Hermione felt her jaw drop. He did not just say that. "Harry, I can't believe you just said that to me. Even if Ron and I weren't your friends, we would still be in danger. Me because I'm Muggle born and Ron because of his Father."
"Yes, but Voldemort is targeting the two of you more because of me. You and Ron are my weakness and Voldemort knows it."
"That may be true Harry, but Ron and I know you'll save us when we need to be saved."
"What if I'm not, Hermione? What if I can't save you or Ron in time? I'll die if I lost either of you."
Feeling tears slid down her cheeks, Hermione pulled Harry into a hug. "Harry, if you lose one of us, then you will have to move on with your life. Just keep all the happy memories close to your heart and we'll always be with you."
"Hermione, don't cry," Harry said wiping her wet cheeks. "I was talking crazy. I won't lose you or Ron."
Laughing, she nodded her head. "That's right, Harry Potter. You are stuck with Ron and me forever."
"I think I can handle that," Harry said smiling as his emerald eyes sparkled.
"Good."
"Harry."
Glancing over his shoulder, he smiled up at Hermione's father. "Yes, sir?"
"There's someone here to see you. You all right, Sweetheart?"
"I'm fine, Daddy. Harry, remember what I said."
"I will," he said as he rose to his feet.
"I'll be down in a minute."
"All right," Harry said closing the door behind him. Walking down the stairs, he wondered who wanted to see him.
"Ah, Harry. I thought I would find you here."
"Professor Dumbledore, you received my letter I see."
"I did, Harry. That is why I'm here. I, like you, was worried about Miss. Granger."
"I'm fine, Professor."
Turning around, Harry smiled as Hermione walked into the living room of her home. Seeing her return the smile, Harry felt his heart beat quicken. Over the last four years, he had always seen Hermione as his best friend. Could she be something more? That was a question Harry couldn't answer now, but it was a question he would get an answer to.
"That is good to hear, my dear. Now Harry, I need to get you back home before your relatives realize you are gone."
Nodding his head, Harry thanked Mr. and Mrs. Granger for their hospitality. Walking over to Hermione, Harry hugged her close. "I'm glad Voldemort didn't hurt you. If he had he would have me and Ron to deal with."
Laughing, Hermione returned the warm hug. "Thanks, Harry."
"For what?"
"For caring."
Laughing himself, Harry pulled back slightly. "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't care?"
"A very unwise one," Dumbledore said smiling. "Come Harry, take my hand and we'll be on our way."
Nodding his head, Harry stepped back from Hermione. "I'll see you soon," he said before taking Dumbledore's hand and vanished.
Turning around, Hermione headed for the kitchen with her parents. Hearing a popping sound, she turned back around. "Professor, did you forget something?"
"What do you mean, Miss. Granger?"
"You just left."
"No, I just received Harry's letter and came here immediately," Dumbledore said holding up the parchment.
"Oh no. Who did Harry just leave with then?"
"I'm not sure. Harry was here?"
"Yes, sir. He flew his Firebolt here to check on me. Then you arrived to check on me and to take Harry back to his relative's home."
"I see. It sounds like to me that Voldemort is up to his old tricks again, but this time he has succeeded in taking Harry."
"What are we going to do, Professor? Voldemort will kill Harry."
"I don't think he will, Hermione. If Voldemort wanted Harry dead he would not have left you or your family alive. No, he has other plans for Harry besides a quick death."
"What do you think he wants to do to Harry?"
"I'm not sure. Harry is a very important person to us and Voldemort knows this as well."
"So this was nothing more than a trap, and I was the bait?"
"I'm afraid so."
"It's all my fault."
"Don't worry dear, child. I know Harry will be fine. We'll get him back. Come with me to the Burrow. We need to get Mr. Weasley and get the two of you to Hogwarts. You will be much safer there."
Glancing at her parents, Hermione suddenly began to worry. If Voldemort could get to her here, then he could get to her family. Looking up at her Head Master she saw the famous twinkle in his eyes. "Mum and Dad will be safe won't they?"
"Yes, my dear. They will both be safe as will all the Weasley's from Voldemort's attacks."
"What about my school things?"
"They will be retrieved when it is time for school to begin."
Nodding her head, Hermione kissed both of her parents. Stepping back to Professor Dumbledore, she took his outstretched hand. Before she knew it, she was at Ron's house. Releasing Professor Dumbledore's hand, Hermione stepped up beside Molly Weasley. Seeing the mother's worried expression, Hermione couldn't stop her eyes from watering.
"Oh no, Hermione, what's wrong? Professor Dumbledore, what's wrong? Why are you here?"
"Voldemort has kidnapped Harry. I came to take Ron and Hermione back to Hogwarts."
"Why? Are they in danger as well?"
"I am not sure. They are Harry's best friends, and I do not want anything to happen to them. Wouldn't you agree, Molly?"
"Oh yes, of course I agree. Ron is in the garden now. Ron, come inside!"
"What is it, Mum," Ron asked looking at his mother then noticing Hermione and Professor Dumbledore. "Hermione, Professor, what are you doing here?"
"We're going to Hogwarts early, Ron," Hermione said stepping up to her friend.
"Why?"
"To keep you and Miss. Granger safe from Voldemort, Mr. Weasley."
"What?! Vold...? Where's Harry?"
"Voldemort has him."
"Bloody….Pardon me. What are we going to do?"
"The only thing we can do, Mr. Weasley. Wait. It's time to go."
Nodding his head, Ron hugged his mother before stepping up to Dumbledore. "Wait, I thought no one could apporate into Hogwarts?"
Smiling, Dumbledore nodded his head. "That is correct Mr. Weasley, but I am the exception to that rule."
"Oh," Ron said as they vanished from sight.
Reappearing inside the castle, Ron and Hermione looked around. They still had a month of summer left before the new term began. The castle was extremely quiet. Even Peeves wasn't making trouble which both Gryffindors were thankful for.
"Off you go. The password into the Tower is Alhormora. Pleasant dreams and try not to worry about Harry."
Walking away, Hermione tried to take Dumbledore's advice. The problem was every corner she turned reminded her of Harry. Looking over at Ron, she could see she wasn't the only one having a hard time.
"Well, hello dears. Aren't you two a bit early for school?"
"Just a bit. Alhormora," Ron said quietly.
"There you go," the Fat Lady said opening up for Hermione and Ron to enter the Gryffindor Common Room.
Falling into a red cushioned chair, Ron slouched down. "I can't believe this. Dumbledore is so calm about this, but He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has Harry captive. We can't just sit here and do nothing. We have to do something to help Harry."
"I know, but what can we do? We don't have the power that Voldemort has. He'll kill us before we could lift a wand to stop him. It would be best if we did what Professor Dumbledore told us to do and stay here."
"Hermione, I can't believe you just said that!"
"Ron, be reasonable."
"Reasonable? If it were you or me being held by Voldemort, Harry wouldn't just sit idly by. He would face Voldemort to save us. Now you are sitting there telling me you won't try to help Harry?"
"I didn't' say that, Ronald Weasley, and you know it. I care what happens to Harry, but there isn't anything we can do to help."
"We have to try, Hermione. We have to."
"All right. Where should we go to look?"
"The only place I know to look would be Hogsmeade."
Nodding her head, Hermione rose to her feet. "Then that's where we'll go. Do you remember where the secret entrance is?"
"Yes, Harry told me where it is. We have to go to the third floor. We are looking for a one eyed witch statue," Ron said heading toward the portrait hole.
"What about the password? I'm sure there is one," Hermione said following after Ron.
"Yes, there is and I know it. Now come on."
Getting down to the third floor and through the trap door, Hermione's mind raced. If they found Harry, what exactly would they find? Would he be alive or dead? Would he be hurt and if so how bad would he be hurt? Climbing out of the hidden corridor behind Ron, Hermione released the breath she had been holding. They had made it.
"Ron, leaving Honey Dukes is going to be easy, but what about coming back?"
"That's easy. We'll leave the door unlocked."
"Ron, we can't do that. I think we should get outside making sure to relock the door. We need to wait until the shops are open to sneak back to Hogwarts."
"Have you gone mad?! Harry could be dead by then."
"You aren't listening to what I'm saying. We rescue Harry now, but hide until the shops are open. We'll have a better chance of getting back alive than to risk going back in the dead of night."
Thinking about what she had said, Ron reluctantly nodded his head. "We'll have to take shifts watching out for Death Eaters during the night."
"I agree. Let's go before we waste any more time."
Unlocking the front door of Honey Dukes, Ron and Hermione made their way quietly into the streets. Hogsmeade was defiantly a lively place, but in the dead of night it was down right spooky. Looking all around her, Hermione half expected something or someone to jump out at her and Ron.
"Where are we going to start looking, Ron?"
"Remember last year, there was a report in the Daily Prophet about a death at the old Riddle house?"
"Yes, so?"
"So? Voldemort used to be Tom Riddle."
"That's right, and what better place to hide than your own house."
"Exactly. Come on, we have to hurry," Ron said picking up his pace.
"Hold on, Harry. We're coming," Hermione said picking up her pace as well.
Finding the Riddle house was a lot easier than Hermione thought it would have been. In the entire village there was only one house with a burning fire. Holding her wand out in front of her, Hermione followed Ron toward the house.
Taking a deep breath, Ron swallowed his fear. No matter how afraid he was, he had to over come it for Harry's sake. Harry always put his life in danger for Ron and his family. It was high time to return the favor. He knew there was a very high probability he and Hermione would die on this night. He just hoped if that happened Harry wouldn't blame himself like he did when Cedric was killed by Voldemort.
"Are you ready to do this, Hermione?"
"Yes, Harry is depending on us."
Nodding his head, Ron took a step toward the door. Before he could even raise his wand, he felt a very painful grip on his shoulder. Great, this is the end and we haven't even tried to save Harry.
"If you want to live until your next birthdays Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger, I suggest you not to go in through the front door. That would do Potter no good now would it?"
Hearing the voice, Ron knew who it was before he even turned around. "Professor Snape, how did you know we would be here?"
"It wasn't hard to figure out. The two of you are Potter's best friends after all."
"How is he? Is he alive?"
"Calm down Ms. Granger, or you will alert the whole house to your presence. Potter is alive, but he is not well. Voldemort is trying to break Potter's spirit. He's been having the boy tortured to the brink of death and then left to have the same treatment be repeated hours later."
"Thank you for saving our necks, but why did you do it? You hate Gryffindors."
"I may dislike everyone, but I hate no one except for Voldemort, Mr. Weasley. No, more questions. We have work to do if you want to get Potter and get out of here alive," Severus said turning away from the young Gryffindors.
Sighing Ron and Hermione followed quietly behind Professor Snape. They both knew he was taking a great risk helping them rescue Harry. Stepping into Voldemort's lair, Ron felt the hairs on his neck stand up.
"Potter is back here," Snape said quietly opening a door.
Taking a step forward, Hermione gasped quietly at the site before her. Harry was curled up into a ball on the cold floor. Moving forward, Hermione felt Snape grab her arm.
"Its booby trapped. Only a Death Eater can get close to him while he's in Voldemort's sign. I'll get him and bring him to you, Snape said pointing at the Dark Mark under Harry's body.
Nodding there heads, Ron and Hermione waited patiently. There really wasn't anything else they could do but wait. As Snape entered the Dark Mark, Hermione held her breath. The last thing she wanted was for something to go terribly wrong.
Reaching Potter's still body, Severus knelt down beside him. "All right Potter, you have some friends here to rescue you."
"Lie....liar," Harry ground out over the pain his body felt.
"Harry, Ron and Hermione are standing right over there against the door. Just open your eyes and you'll see them."
"It's a trick," Harry said opening his eyes only to lower his eye lids again.
"Harry, it is us. It's not a trick. Let Snape help you," Hermione pleaded out of desperation.
"Mione?"
"Yes, Harry, it's me. It's not a trick. I promise you. I'm real. Just let Snape Help you, Harry."
"Okay."
"Good boy. This is going to hurt. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I want to go home."
"You will be, Harry. You will be," Severus said feeling disgusted over Harry's treatment.
He may not like the young man, but no one deserves this type of treatment. Lifting the injured boy, he winced hearing Harry's moan of pain. You will pay for this, Voldemort. I swear on James Potter's grave. You will pay dearly for what you have done to this boy and his family, Severus thought to himself as he stepped back out of the Dark Mark.
"Take him, Ron. I all ready have a portkey prepared. It will take you back to Hogwarts," Severus said handing the three Gryffindors the portkey shaped boot.
"How close to the castle will it take us," Hermione asked looking at Harry with concern.
"Right to the front door. Embula Sanctum," Severus said pointing his wand at the teenagers.
"What was that," Ron asked holding on tightly to Harry.
"A spell of protection. A very powerful one," Hermione said stepping up beside Ron to help support Harry's dead weight.
"Why? We're almost out of here. We'll be okay," Ron said frowning slightly.
"How very typical of you, Weasley. You, the Mudblood, and Potter aren't going anywhere. I wanted to have some more fun with young Harry there, but all fun must come to an end at some point. Enjoy your death with your parents Harry. Avada Kedavra!"
Harry watched helplessly as both Ron and Hermione shoved him behind them. They were both going to die to protect him. He couldn't let them do that. Before he could say a word something happened that Harry would never have suspected. Professor Severus Snape, head of Slytherin House jumped in front of the Killing Curse that was speeding toward Harry and his friends. As the Potions teacher hit the cold floor, Harry felt immense guilt wrap around his heart. Everyone was dying because of him. First his parents died then Cedric, now Snape. Pulling away from Ron and Hermione's protective hold, Harry staggered around toward Voldemort.
"Enough killing, Voldemort! You want me dead so bad, then do it! Kill me now, but leave my friends alone!"
Laughing, Voldemort pointed his wand down at Harry's weakened form. "You are in no position to make demands, Harry."
"Harry, don't do this," Hermione yelled.
"It's not a demand, Tom. It's a request from one wizard to another. In all duels to the death the loser gets one final request. My request is for my friends to live," Harry said ignoring Hermione's pleading voice.
"Very touching Harry, but my name is no longer Tom and I do not honor requests. Avada Kedavra!"
Closing his eyes, Harry felt the curse hit his body with so much force it knocked him off of his feet. Taking a deep breath, he waited for the pain but it never came. Shaking his head, Harry slowly sat up. Hearing Ron and Hermione's surprised gasp, Harry turned his head toward them. He couldn't explain it. Hearing Voldemort's cry of rage, Harry looked at him. Seeing the Dark Lord bent over, Harry realized Voldemort was in pain.
"Ron, Hermione, hit him with the killing curse."
Nodding their heads, both friends raised their wands and yelled the Killing Curse at Voldemort. As the curses hit his body, Harry began to shake as pain started to spread over his body. Forcing himself to keep his eyes open, Harry watched helplessly as Voldemort sent the same curse at both Hermione and Ron. Watching them hit the ground, he felt his heart break.
"NO!"
Harry fell onto his back as the pain doubled. Feeling a soft touch on his arm, he turned his head toward the person. "Hermione? I thought you and Ron died."
"Nope. Snape gave his life for all three of us. The curses just rebounded onto Voldemort."
"Where is he," Harry asked struggling to sit up.
"He's over there. I think he's finally dead, Harry," Hermione said pointing at Voldemort's still body.
"No, he isn't. Not yet. We have to finish him off now while we still can. His Death Eaters will be back soon. Help me up," Harry said extending his hand.
Taking his hand, Hermione gasped in shock. "Harry, your scar is bleeding."
Shaking his head, Harry pointed his hand toward Voldemort. "Don't worry about it. I'll be fine. Ron can you reach his wand?"
"Yeah, he dropped it when the two spells rebounded on him," Ron said picking up the discarded wand. Walking up to Harry he handed the wand over to him. "Here, Harry. We need to get you out of here."
"No, we have to finish him off now. I can't do it alone. Help me please."
Seeing a pleading look in Harry's green eyes, Hermione found herself agreeing to help Harry. "We'll help you, Harry," she said smiling.
"Thank you. We have to use the Killing Curse at the same time. He's dying, but he's trying to apporate away. It's now or never."
"Let's do it," Ron said stepping up to Harry to help support his weight. Walking Harry closer to Voldemort, he pointed his wand at the evil monster. He watched Hermione do the same, but Harry seemed to hesitate. "Harry, what's wrong? Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," Harry said raising Voldemort's wand.
At the same time, all three Gryffindors yelled out the Killing Curse. The night was shattered with the sound of two pain filled screams. Seconds after Voldemort started screaming, he exploded into a bright green light.
Shielding his eyes, Ron lost his grip on Harry. When the room was once more covered in darkness, he spun around. Seeing Harry laying on the floor, he and Hermione knelt down beside him.
"Harry, we did it. Voldemort is gone. Harry?"
"Let's turn him over, Ron. I don't like the fact he's not responding."
"I don't either," Ron said as he and Hermione gently turned Harry over.
"Oh my God! Harry, wake up! Please wake up," Hermione sobbed as she shook Harry's arm.
She was in shock. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Not only was Harry's scar bleeding, but so was his nose and mouth. He couldn't be dead. He just couldn't be. She couldn't lose him now. Not after everything he had been through.
"He's gone, Herm," Ron said softly as tears slid down his cheeks. "You have to let him go."
"No, I won't! We aren't losing him, Ron," she swore wiping the blood off of Harry's face.
She didn't know if CPR would bring Harry back, but she had to try. Getting on one side of Harry, Hermione placed her hands over his heart. Please God, don't take him from us, she silently prayed as she started the compressions.
Ron grabbed a hold of Hermione as she started pounding on Harry's chest. "Hermione, what are you doing?!"
"Let me go, Ron! I'm trying to save Harry!"
"You can't! He's gone!"
"You have to let me try!"
"Beating on his chest won't do any good!"
Yanking out of his grasp, Hermione went back to her chest compressions before blowing two breaths into Harry's mouth. "I'm not beating on his chest, Ron. Muggles call this CPR," she said bending over Harry's still body to blow life giving air into his lungs. "Come on, Harry! You have to fight! Come back to us! Come back to me Harry, please," she pleaded.
"Come on, Harry," Ron said hoping Hermione's Muggle method worked. Hearing Harry take a ragged breath, Ron closed his eyes. "You did it, Hermione."
Allowing her tears to stream down her cheeks, Hermione shook her head. "Harry did it. He fought his way back to us."
"Mione?"
"It's all right, Harry. I'm here and so is Ron."
"Hurt."
"I know you do. We're going to get you back to Hogwarts, and Madame Pompfry will have you well in no time. You just relax and let us do all the work."
"Okay," Harry said shutting his exhausted eyes.
"Let's get out of here while we still can," Ron said opening the door.
Nodding her head, Hermione levitated both Harry and Professor Snape onto invisible stretchers. "Ron, lead Professor Snape. I'll worry about Harry."
"All right. That's a good idea in case you have to do that Muggle thing on him again," Ron said leading the way out of the Riddle house.
Getting outside, Ron looked over at Hermione. "Hey, what about using the portkey?"
"It's not a good idea. It'll be much faster, but I'm not as strong as you are. I might drop whom ever I was holding. I don't want to risk that. Come on, we have to go. Harry needs to receive some medical care."
"All right. Let's go then," Ron said walking quickly toward Honey Dukes with Snape's lifeless body in front of him.
Getting closer to Honey Dukes, Hermione hoped their luck held. It was pure luck that they were able to destroy Voldemort, but it was almost at a very high price. If she had realized that killing Voldemort would kill Harry, she never would have done what he told them to do. They would have found another way to keep Harry from dying. Running her fingers through his unruly hair, Hermione smiled. Thank goodness her parents suggested she learn CPR over the summer. What they had said was true. 'Magic doesn't fix everything.'
Reaching Honey Dukes, Hermione checked on Harry. Nodding her head she looked over at Ron. "He's still alive, but I don't think we can wait until morning. We need to get back to Hogwarts now."
"Okay. I just hope I can do this."
"Do what?"
"Pick this lock. Fred and George taught me how. I just have to remember how to do it," Ron said getting to work on the lock.
After a couple of minutes, Hermione heard Ron's voice calling to her. Smiling, Hermione made her way over toward Ron who was standing at the door. From the smile on his face, Hermione felt relief wash over her.
"I got it. Let's get out of here."
"Okay. Great job, Ron."
Blushing, Ron smiled again. "Thanks," he said pushing Snape through the now open door.
"Your welcome," she said guiding Harry into Honey Dukes.
After relocking the door, Ron and Hermione ran for the secret passage. Getting safely inside the passage, both teenagers breathed a sigh of relief. "Ron, that seemed to easy."
"Easy? That was anything but easy. We can't stop now. We're almost back at the castle," Ron said running down the passage.
"But why do I have the feeling this is far from over," Hermione said running behind Ron.
Reaching the castle, Ron opened up the door behind the three eyed witch on the third floor. After closing the passage door, the two Gryffindors ran up to the Hospital Wing.
"Madam Pompfry! Madam Pompfry, where are you?!"
"All right child, I'm coming. No need to wake up the entire castle with your cries. What is it that the two of you...Oh my goodness! What happened," Madam Pompfry asked gasping in shock.
"It was Voldemort, Madam Pompfry."
"Vol...go get Professor Dumbledore, Mr. Weasley."
Nodding his head, Ron lowered his burden onto a bed before running out of the room. Looking down at Harry Madam Pompfry laid her hand on the boy's arm. What did that monster do to this innocent child?
"Harry, wake up. Harry? Hermione, was Harry conscience at any time?"
"He was after I performed CPR on him, but then he went to sleep. Why, what's wrong with him?"
"I'm not sure. I'm worried that he won't wake up."
Hearing someone calling his name, Harry struggled to open his eyes. "Mione?"
"Harry, it's okay. Stay awake for me."
Nodding his head, Harry licked his lips and slowly opened his heavy eye lids. "I will."
Smiling, Hermione squeezed his hand. "Madam Pompfry, he's awake."
"Wonderful."
"Poppy, you needed to see me," Professor Dumbledore asked walking inside the Hospital Wing.
"Yes, Professor. I thought you should see this," Poppy said stepping aside.
Seeing Severus laying limply on the bed, Dumbledore slowly closed his eyes. "Severus will be honored and missed. What happened?"
Looking at each other, Hermione took a step away from Harry's bed. "He gave his life to save our lives. Ron and I couldn't just stay here while Harry was in danger. Professor Snape was probably going to bring Harry here tonight, but then Ron and I showing up messed up his plan. He's dead because we didn't do what you told us to, Professor."
"No, Miss Granger, Severus is dead because of Voldemort. You and Mr. Weasley are not to blame. Severus knew the risk when he agreed to spy on Voldemort for me."
"You don't have to worry about Voldemort any longer, Professor."
"And why is that, Mr. Weasley?"
"He's dead. The Wizarding World is finally free of him."
Smiling, Dumbledore nodded his head. "Will Harry be all right, Poppy?"
"Yes, Professor. After he gets some much needed rest."
"Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger, you must be exhausted. Go on to bed. Harry is in good hands. Welcome home, Harry."
"Thank you, sir."
Smiling, Dumbledore walked out the door.
"Coming, Hermione?"
"I will in a minute. Go on up."
"Okay," Ron said leaving quietly.
"Mione, you okay?"
"I am now that I know you are going to be all right."
"I'm fine."
"Are you really, Harry?"
"No, but I will be. I finally hugged my parents. They told me my work wasn't finished yet, but I would see them again."
"That's great, Harry."
"Yeah, it is," Harry said yawning.
"You get some rest, and I'll see you in the morning," Hermione said planting a soft kiss on Harry's cheek.
"Good night, Hermione."
"Good night, Harry."