(Hiya Everyone! I've finally got around to completing chapter 5, it's a fairly long one I think, I like this one so I hope you will enjoy it too, If I've made any major mistakes please let me know… I'm not really happy with Dumbledore's Dialogue, but I've never been bale to write Dumbledore, so please forgive me for that… anyways, Take Care Everyone!)
CHAPTER 5
She lay on his outstretched arm, in her soft periwinkle blue nightgown, looking into his enchanting green eyes and wishing she could press her soft lips against his for a brief moment, just once. The aroma of his spicy cologne made her feel light headed, but its fragrance was delicate and made her tingle all over, it was a good feeling. Hermione didn't understand him, he was so compassionate towards her; it almost felt like they were together and in love, but he said they weren't. She felt somewhat confused, if this wasn't love, then what was?
He caressed her face with his fingers, and her eyes began to grow heavy with sleep. She tried to hold back a yawn, but couldn't.
"Your tired." He stated.
"A little." She answered hoping to keep him next to her for longer.
"I better go."
Her chest tightened, she wasn't expecting him to leave for the night.
"Go where?" She asked hoping he meant to the bathroom, but she knew better.
"Hermione… I can't be here today."
"I'm sorry." She whispered holding back the overwhelming sadness that filled her heart.
"No, no, its not you, it's not anything you've said, believe me."
She looked at him with hope in her eyes and yet, she knew he was just saying that to not hurt her feelings.
"It's just that… well… Dumbledore said he would give me word if Lupin's condition should change, or if we had permission to visit him, it wouldn't be wise for me to stay the night, they might come looking for me." Harry was being truthful, he really wanted to stay the night with Hermione; he had hoped she wouldn't object to it. But at the same time, he needed to be in a place where Dumbledore could easily find him.
"Your right Harry, I should've thought of that myself."
Harry gave her a warm smile and kissed her forehead.
"Goodnight Hermione, sleep well." He said taking out his invisibility cloak from his schoolbag and draping it over him.
"You carry that with you everywhere now don't you?… Goodnight Harry, if you need anything, just come to me, and please let me know if something should change with Lupin."
"Okay, I will."
"Oh, and Harry… If you ever want to come back to my room, just come back, you don't need to ask, okay?"
Harry grinned from under the cloak; she wanted him to be there.
"Okay `Mione."
Harry quietly snuck into the Boys Dormitory and plopped into his cold bed. He didn't even bother to change, he was exhausted and it would create too much noise. It felt strange being back in this room, Hermione's bed was much larger than his and somehow, it felt so right sleeping next to her. He shifted to his side, as Ron's snoring grew more intense. Tomorrow would be another long day, he had extra classes with Snape and Dumbledore, plus he also promised to spend some time with Ron during lunch at the Quidditch Pitch.
Harry missed playing Quidditch, it had been such an important part of him; it had been a way to escape his problems. When Harry played Quidditch, he wasn't the Boy Who Lived or the boy who would have to face Voldemort in a battle to the death. He was Harry Potter, Gryffindore Seeker, proud of his team and putting all his efforts into winning the House Cup.
Harry wasn't asked to give Quidditch up, it had been his own choice; a sacrifice of his pleasure for knowledge. It wouldn't be possible for Harry to continue Quidditch, have private lessons with Snape and Dumbledore, stay ahead of all his classmates, lead the DA, and be the Head Boy.
Along with Quidditch, Harry also declined his Prefect badge in sixth year, and then again declined his Head Boy badge this year. Sometimes he regretted his decision greatly, it would have been easier for him to see Hermione during the night, and he wouldn't have to watch Draco Malfoy using his authority against him and every other student that crossed his line. Harry couldn't believe that Draco received the Head Boy badge when Harry had declined it, he was furious with Dumbledore, until he discovered that Dumbledore had nothing to do with choosing the Head Boy and Girl; it was a choice made by the Ministry of Magic.
*
She had him wrapped around her little finger with her seductive, syrupy brown eyes. Her lips were a gentle pink color and lightly glossed, they made Harry's mouth water with desire. She was wearing a beautiful light blue, sparkly gown that hugged her perfectly. Her curly hair cascaded down her back and at the sides of her shoulders. He gathered her closer, gracefully twirled her and playfully tipped her, a delicate smile fixed on her face, and her laughter pleasantly filled the room over the sound of instruments playing a beautiful tune.
Harry waltz her across the dance floor with elegance and pure class, their steps and twirls matched the rhythmic beat of the music faultlessly; it was like a scene taken straight out of an old black and white movie.
Harry saw stars in her eyes and knew he was completely in love, this wasn't something that would illuminate his passion and then fade; this was forever.
There was no other woman in the world that could make him feel the way she did, no other woman's laughter made his heart double beat, no other woman's touch would send those arousing chills down his spine, no other woman gave him the desire to unleash his innocence, and give himself to her.
She leaned her head closer to his shoulder, and began to plant tender kisses one after the other on the side of his neck.
Erotic thoughts filled his mind and her hand wandered from his chest downwards. "I love you." She whispered.
*
"WAKE UP!"
"I love you too." Harry mumbled.
"EEWW SICK MATE, COME ON, GET YOUR ARSE UP!"
"Huh what?" Harry shook his head as he slowly began to retreat into unpleasant reality. He found Ron, Seamus and Dean hovering near the edge of his bed, staring at him.
"The hell was that dream all about?" Dean questioned.
"Was she sexy Harry? Seamus asked laughing.
Harry threw a pillow at Seamus and groaned.
"I told you we should have left him to sleep." Ron voiced.
"Yeah, he would have slept, and we would have had to sit up all night listening to that!" Dean barked making his way back to his bed.
Harry's face went hot. "What exactly did you hear?"
"Enough to make us sick." Dean said again.
"Not enough." Seamus added.
"They wanted to know who you were dreaming about Harry." Ron stated.
"I didn't, Seamus did." Dean pointed out.
"I had me a dream `bout Hermione once," Seamus began.
Ron's face flushed crimson and he shot Seamus a glare. "Uhh you mean the one where she was with Viktor at the Yule Ball and then Harry kept cutting in to dance with her?"
Seamus wore a muddled expression on his face. "No mate, the one about havin' her in me bed and,"
"Oh shut it Seamus, I'm sick of hearing your Hermione fantasies!" Dean yelled.
Ron rolled his eyes and stole an uneasy glance at Harry's frozen form.
"What's eatin' you Potter?" Seamus asked.
Harry clenched and unclenched his fists, took a few deep breaths. "Nothing." He hissed.
"Can we all just go back to sleep?" Ron asked dragging Seamus away from Harry's bed.
"I agree." Dean voiced settling back under his covers.
"Harry?" Ron asked as they lay in their beds again.
"What Ron?"
"Why were you wearing your school robes to bed?"
"I… uhh… went for a late night stroll, to… think."
Ron didn't answer, something wasn't right. When he walked into the Boy's Dormitory, the curtains around Harry's bed were already pulled closed, what was he up to? Perhaps he couldn't tell him because the others might have overheard. Ron tossed in his bed, something didn't feel right.
The Boy's Dormitory quickly fell silent, except for the muffled sounds of snoring. Harry was once again lying in his own, cold bed unable to sleep. He craved for the aroma of cinnamon to fill the room, to feel the bed move whenever Hermione would shift in her sleep, to feel her warmth next to him, to touch her delicate hands as she slept soundly, and to hear her steady breaths match the rhythm of his pounding heart.
Harry switched from laying sideways, to lying on his back.
He wasn't sure how long he would be able to control himself around Hermione. Perhaps it would be a good idea to just take his exams and leave Hogwarts earlier, it was a thought that Harry hated; this same thought would have to keep his emotions in control.
He checked his wristwatch to see what time it was. He dragged himself out of bed, there was no way he was going to fall asleep again, even though it was only four in the morning. Harry quietly took out a pair of fresh school robes and headed towards the bathroom for a shower.
The hot water felt pleasant on his chilled skin. He lathered his hair with Krum's VK Quidditch Shampoo and cleansed his body with some VK soap that Ron gave him for his birthday last year.
"Girls go mad for this stuff." Ron had written in the letter that came with the package.
Hermione hadn't mailed Harry's present that year. She only sent a message saying that she would give him his present later. She had baked him a home made triple fudge chocolate cake, with Boston Cream filling, and real whipped cream around the edges. With icing, she carefully decorated Harry on his Firebolt zooming towards the golden snitch. Along with the homemade cake, she also gave Harry an album complete with wonderful pictures of himself and his friends, everything was neatly labeled, and some of the pictures were even dated. She flung her arms around him, and for a long moment they just embraced each other. He felt her heartbeat against his chest, and she smelt really nice, different, but really nice.
Harry regretfully turned the hot water to cold; he was getting a little too excited. After a few minutes of standing beneath the cold water, he turned the water off, dried himself and got dressed. Harry brushed his hand through his jet black, wet hair and made his way down to the Common Room. The fire was still dancing, casting shadows on the walls. He heard a soft purr beneath his feet as Crookshanks nuzzled against his calf. He briskly knelt down and picked the orange ball of fur into his arms. Harry's eyes wandered over to Hermione's favorite spot, he squinted, and his heart did a rapid jump.
"Hermione?" He questioned strolling over to the chair.
Her gentle face peered over at him from the top of the chair and she gave him a glowing grin.
"Can't sleep?" She questioned as Harry placed Crookshanks back in her lap.
"No, not really."
"Me either." She answered.
Harry could have sworn that a faint blush covered her cheeks. He sat down beneath her chair and faced the vibrant flames.
"Am I in trouble miss Head Girl, for not being in my bed like a good boy?" Harry teased.
She laughed. "Oh yes Mr. Potter, you'll have to bribe me now."
"Is that so?" He questioned playfully. He removed his wand from his robes and conjured two mugs that had a wisp of steam escaping from the mouth of each mug. "Can I tempt you with some hot chocolate?"
"Bribe accepted." She laughed taking the mug in her hands and sampling the hot liquid. "Mmm good… your getting better then me at all these spells."
"Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" Harry asked bringing the mug to his lips.
" Possibly."
Harry nearly chocked on his hot chocolate. "Are you kidding?"
"No."
"I'm not smarter then you Hermione, if it hadn't been for you, I would have never gotten this far in my studies. I've also been spending countless hours with Professor Dumbledore and Snape."
She pondered on his words for a moment. "I just want you to still like me."
Harry's throat tightened, and he looked into her worried eyes. "I do Hermione, and I always will, you're my best friend."
"But you won't need me once you learn everything you need to know."
"You think I'm your friend because your smart?… Is that what you think?"
She shifted in her chair.
"Hermione listen to me, one of your greatest qualities is your knowledge, and your willingness to help others learn what you know, but that doesn't make you my best friend… you're my best friend because your kind, you understand me like no one else does, your confident, you stand up for what you believe in, your always there for me, and you sure know how to throw a good punch."
Harry saw a large grin spread across her face. "You really mean that?"
"Oh yeah, that punch you threw Malfoy was brilliant."
Hermione playfully slapped his shoulder. "I meant everything you said."
"I know you did," he laughed. "And yes, I do mean it."
She sighed and dug her fingers in his messy hair. Harry moaned with pleasure as she played with his hair and messaged his temples.
"I love it when you do that."
"I guess I better start charging for my services soon." She chuckled.
"Good idea, don't forget that friends get discounts, and best friends get services free of charge."
"You got me there." She laughed.
For a moment they just sat in silence, listening to the crackling of the fire and the sound of Crookshanks purring.
"Did you have a nightmare Harry?" She asked.
"No… but I think if I went back to sleep I probably would have."
"I was afraid you would… I didn't want you to be alone."
"I'm never alone Hermione, I carry all my family and friends with me, right here." He said resting his hand on his heart.
Hermione placed her hand on Harry's. "Me too." She whispered.
They shared a grin.
Harry enjoyed Hermione's company until it was time for breakfast. They made their way to the Great Hall where they ate their porridge, and munched on some buttered toast.
"I need to go to the Library Harry, your welcome to accompany me if you want." She said before finishing off her glass of orange juice.
"I would come Hermione, but I need to see Dumbledore."
"Right, sorry I forgot." She stood up from her chair and pushed it in. "Can we schedule a meeting later tonight, say after dinner, or will you be with Snape then?"
He gave her a puzzled look.
"D-A" She whispered.
"Uhh, yeah, I'm suppose to see Snape before dinner, so after dinner should work fine." He replied quietly.
"You wont be too tired Harry?"
"I'll be fine, now you go off and do what you need to do, I'll see you later."
"Okay."
She gave him an affectionate embrace.
"Well, well, look what we've got here… Potty and Whore-mione sharing a special moment." Malfoy announced while Crabbe and Goyle sniggered at his side.
Harry was ready to knock Malfoy's teeth out, but Hermione held on to his arm, and gave him a pleading look.
"Guess who wears the pants in that relationship?" Draco laughed.
"Shut up Malfoy!" Harry yelled.
Draco's attention traveled to Hermione. "Mudbloods like yourself, can still be useful items," He took a hold of her face. "You're a pretty little thing Whore-mione, I'd pay good money for you… what do you say Mudblood?"
She spat in his face and gave him a good kick between the legs.
Malfoy hit the ground hard, wailing in agony.
Hermione grabbed Harry by the robes and dragged him away, before he had the chance to lunge at Malfoy and tear him to pieces.
"You should have let me at him Hermione, you should have let me give him what he deserved!" He threw his books on the ground in frustration. The sound amplified and echoed through the halls, Hermione jumped. He immediately wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry… I just don't want that son of a,"
"Harry."
"I just don't want him treating you like that."
"He's trying to make you angry, he wants you to put your foot out of line and get thrown out, you know it and I know it, we can't let him get what he wants." Hermione left his arms, picked his books up off the floor, and briskly started walking towards Dumbledore's office.
"Your right, but I won't be able to take it if he keeps calling you that." He said strolling next to her.
"It's me he's calling names not you, don't get involved."
They stopped right before the stone Gargoyle.
"If it had been me Malfoy was taking a stab at, wouldn't you give him what he deserves?" He asked.
"It would be incredibly tempting, there's no denying that, but if you asked me not to, I wouldn't."
"So you're asking me not to?" He asked again.
"Yes Harry, I am." She said handing him his books.
He sighed. "I'll try Hermione, but only because you want me to."
"Good, now have a good lesson with Dumbledore, I'll let the others know about our meeting." She gave him a slight grin and faced the stone Gargoyle before them. "What's the password this time?"
"Fudge Flies." Harry mumbled as the Gargoyle leapt aside revealing the moving staircase to Dumbledore's office.
"It's always a sweet isn't it?" She grinned, ruffled his hair, and meandered her way back down the hallway they had just walked together.
"I'll see you Hermione." He called after her.
"Say hello to Dumbledore for me." She called back.
Dumbledore's office had once been such a wonder, such an interesting place with so much to explore and marvel over, but now that Harry spent a great portion of his two final years at Hogwarts, it was just another classroom. The wizards and witches in the portraits lining the Head Master's office acknowledged his presence and some tipped their heads in a friendly greeting.
"Alas, I was beginning to wonder if you were coming at all today Harry."
"I'm sorry Professor, I had an encounter with Malfoy."
"That's quite alright Harry… shall we begin?"
"Professor?"
"Yes Harry."
"How is Lupin?"
"I'm afraid he is in the same condition as the last time I had spoken to you, the full moon will be arriving shortly and it will be difficult to give Remus his potion."
Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"Will you continue with your lesson Harry?"
"Yes Professor."
Dumbledore indicated the pensieve, which sat on his large desk. "You first Harry."
Harry gave the contents of the pensieve a quick prod with the tip of his wand. As always, the silvery liquid began to swirl around faster and faster until it became transparent. He was looking down into the room he and Dumbledore almost always used for lessons. Harry took a deep breath and dipped his head into the pensieve.
The floor of Dumbledore's office lurched and he began to fall and spin furiously.
Harry picked himself up off the ground and dusted his robes as Dumbledore landed gracefully next to him.
The room was like a long hallway with beautifully polished marble floors and remarkable paintings of famous wizards over the last century. The walls looked luxurious with the cherry colored lumber and the carefully chiseled details.
"Lacarnum Inflamare Sata Cento Kendela." Harry spoke as hundred's of hovering candles illuminated the large room.
"Very good Harry, you are mastering how to tie words and spells together… a gentle correction if I may?" Dumbledore asked.
"Of course Professor."
"Lacarnum is not needed in your spell and you do not need to use both Sata and Cento for your incantation."
"So it would be… Inflamare Cento Kendela?"
"Yes Harry, very good, or you may use Inflamare Sata Kendela." Dumbledore added and then pointed to the far end of the hallway. "Take your place."
Harry's footsteps echoed as he made his way to the opposite end of the long rectangular room. He took his place in a perfectly rounded, golden circle printed on the polished marble floor, and bowed.
"On three," Dumbledore stated clearly. "One… Two,"
Harry stood in his attack position, with his wand stretched before him and a determined facial expression.
"Three!… Tarantallegra!" Dumbledore chanted.
Harry avoided Dumbledore's spell by quickly ducking his head. " Incarcerous!" He shouted; binding cords shot out of his wand straight for Dumbledore.
"Impervius Miro." Dumbledore said calmly, the cords struck an invisible wall, and fell to the ground.
"Pelota Incendio Impetus!" Harry yelled. A large ball of fire blasted towards Dumbledore.
Dumbledore carefully pointed his wand at the ball of flames "Conglecado Reducto." It turned to a sphere of ice and shattered. "Legilimens."
*
Harry was at the Yule ball watching Hermione pronounce her name to Krum, and he shared a secret grin with her
*
He was at the Ministry of Magic, Hermione was lying motionless on the cold floor.
*
He was under his invisibility cloak in his pajamas making his way to,
*
"No!" Harry focused his strength and began to search Dumbledore's mind.
*
Dumbledore was standing at the foot of the Dursley's doorstep peering at a baby boy, with jet-black hair and a lightening shaped scar, he had tears in his blue eyes.
*
"Finite Incantatem." Dumbledore said calmly; then with a look of regret he clearly spoke "Imperio."
Harry felt an incredibly calm sensation as he slowly dropped to his knees, just as Dumbledore's words commanded.
"Bow down Harry."
It would feel so nice to do just as Dumbledore said, it was so easy to just listen, but why should he bow down? Harry stood up.
"Bow down Harry." Dumbledor's voice became firmer.
Harry's knees shook but he steadied himself and remained on his feet.
"I said bow down!" Dumbledor's voice echoed through the hall, and he gave a quick swish with his wand.
Harry's knees painfully hit the marble floor. All he had to do was allow himself to tip forward into a bow and he wouldn't have to endure any more pain, but why should he bow down if it is something he does not wish to do? Dumbledore is a great man, but nobody should have the right to control him like this.
With a lot of effort Harry pulled himself to his feet again, he stretched out his hand with his wand in it.
"Drop the wand… NOW!" Dumbledore's angry voice boomed through the rectangular room.
Harry's hand shook violently and his fingers began to slowly spread open. He clenched his teeth, held on to his wand for dear life and muttered "Crucio."
Dumbledore fell to the ground and quivered in pain.
"Finite Incantatem." Harry spoke quickly and ran over to Dumbledore's side. "I'm sorry Professor, are you alright?"
"No need to be sorry Harry, this is what these lessons are for, I am just fine."
Harry helped the old Headmaster to his feet.
"That was very good Harry, very good indeed… we shall call it a day, you should be very proud, it is the first time I have lost such a battle in a very, very long time."
"I, I didn't mean to cause you pain Professor."
"You did what I asked you to do, if you are to battle Voldemort, you will need to use the Unforgivable Curses Harry… he will show no mercy for you and you mustn't show any mercy to him." Dumbledore paused for a moment before he spoke again. "I am curious Harry… what triggered your hatred?"
"I just thought of everything that Voldemort has done, all the people he and his followers had killed… I guess I pretended that you were him."
Dumbledore gave him a wide grin and his gentle blue eyes twinkled beneath his half moon spectacles. "Until our next lesson Harry… you may go now."
"Thank you Professor." Harry said as he felt himself spinning uncontrollably.
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