A/N: Hi all. Thanks for the kind reviews again. I appreciate it a lot and hope to have your continued support with this story and others. Enjoy!
Harry spent two more days in the hospital wing, before Madame Pomfrey would let him out, but on strict instructions to take it very easy over the next week as the potion needed time to fix all of the injuries that he had sustained. So, on the third day, Harry walked slowly from the hospital wing, helped on either side by Hermione and Ron. He walked slowly down the stairs, as his sense of balance was still disrupted and he clung onto both of his friends so he would not fall. They helped him walk slowly into the great hall and as he entered, he noticed that all conversation ceased as everyone watched him being helped to the Gryffindor table. He finally sat down with a great sigh and smiled his thanks at his friends, who sat on either side of him. Hermione gave him a kiss on the cheek and asked him what he would like to eat. She ladled him some soup and buttered a roll for him. He thanked her with another smile.
He looked around when he heard a great movement of people behind him and saw most of the tables of ravenclaw and hufflepuff coming over to say they were glad he was back on his feet. Harry was touched by the support he was receiving from the two houses and thanked them all, smiling. Dumbledore then stood and tapped his goblet with his spoon for silence. Once he had it he spoke, saying
"I'm sure that everyone knows of the events that happened five days ago. I for one would like to welcome Harry back to the school proper and to wish him a speedy recovery." He lifted his goblet in salute to Harry and looking around; Harry noticed that most of the rest of the school had done so as well. He felt his cheeks burning, but smiled; glad he had so many friends. Hermione took his hand in hers and smiled at him and he smiled back and resumed eating his dinner.
After dinner, Harry was helped back up to the common room, where he sat in the lounge in front of the fire and Hermione sat next to him, her head leaning on his shoulder. Ron sat across from them in one f the overstuffed armchairs that surrounded the fire. Harry spoke up for the first time since dinner and said
"I hope that Draco has gotten what he has deserved. He got me while my back was turned, then again, I should have suspected something like that to happen."
Hermione sat upright and said quickly to Harry that she would be back. She disappeared upstairs and Harry had only enough time to exchange puzzled glances with Ron before Hermione was back clutching a copy of The Daily Prophet. She opened up the paper and showed it to Harry. Harry took the paper and gasped at the headline:
'Death Eater's Son to Face Attempted Murder Trial!'
According to the paper, Draco Malfoy was to stand trial for his attempt on Harry's life. Professor Dumbledore had contacted ministry authorities just after he had visited Harry, it seems. The minister, upon hearing about the attack and wanting to make up for his stubbornness when Harry had been telling him for a year that Voldemort was back, immediately launched a full investigation into the matter. Upon Draco's expulsion from Hogwarts, he was arrested at the gates of Hogwarts and immediately transported to Azkaban along with his two accomplices, Crabb and Goyle. The trial was scheduled for two weeks time, but a spokesperson from the ministry said that the case was pretty clear cut and justice would be swift and vengeful.
Harry gave the paper to Ron with a large smile upon his face. He felt very good knowing that Draco will now be able to see his father on a regular basis. Hermione hugged him to her and said "Now he can't bother us anymore, love. I'm not going to let anyone harm you ever again, if I can help it."
Harry hugged her back and felt safe in her arms. Ron gave a whoop as he finished reading the article and made Harry and Hermione laugh at the little victory dance he did around the common room. Soon enough, the whole tower knew about Draco's fate and an impromptu party began. Dobby appeared with a whole crate of butter beer and a large tray of cakes and sweets. They all enjoyed themselves until eleven o'clock, when Harry was dozing off in his seat, snuggled up next to Hermione and Professor McGonagall said they should all get to bed. Ron and Hermione helped Harry up to the dormitory and Hermione undressed Harry and put his pyjamas on him. She helped him into bed and she quickly undressed herself and put on one of his t shirts, sliding into bed next to him. She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest, just glad that he was alive and would recover fully in time.
Harry woke the next morning to find himself in bed with no recollection of how he had gotten there. The last he remembered was that the party was going full force and he was feeling a bit tired. He looked down and saw he had been changed into his pyjamas and looking slightly to his left, realised that Hermione probably had had a hand in all of it. He smiled and watched her as she slept and thought again, how lucky he was to have her. He now knew how important she was to him, more than ever since the attack and knew that he needed to get better if his new plan was to come to fruition. Hermione then opened her eyes sleepily and Harry smiled and kissed her softly, whispering "Good morning, love."
Hermione smiled, stretching and said "Good morning yourself. How are you feeling?"
Harry responded that he was feeling better. He sat up and swung his legs over the edge of his bed. He was amused to hear the snores coming from behind Ron's hangings. He began to rise and felt Hermione's hand about his waist. He smiled at her, but as he rose he could feel the strength slowly coming back into him and knew that in a few more days he should be back to full strength. With a little help from Hermione, he managed to get dressed and made his way down the staircase to the common room, but found that holding onto the banister and Hermione; he was able to achieve it. Hermione helped him over to a chair and they sat and waited for Ron to make an appearance. Ginny and Neville joined them and chatted to Harry and Hermione, both of them telling Harry how happy they were to see him up and about. Ginny told Harry not to worry about the Quiditch match coming up as she was quite happy to cover for him as seeker, until he was feeling better. Harry thanked her and joked that it was good that the team had her, what with his interesting life, as Hermione had put it. They laughed and joked until Ron finally made his way down. Harry found that he only needed Hermione's assistance as he walked so Ron just walked beside him, ready to catch him, just in case. They made their way into the great hall and Harry helped himself to a large serving of Bacon and eggs, feeling ravenous. Feeling completely stuffed by the end of his meal, Harry went with Ron and Hermione down to care of magical creatures. Hagrid greeted Harry enthusiastically; nearly causing broken ribs from the hug he gave him and sat him down in a chair he had gotten from inside his hut. Hermione and Ron stood either side of Harry during the lesson as Hagrid explained to them about the latest creature he had managed to procure, a tiny little goblin like creature that stood about five inches tall with a lot of hair. They all took notes while Hagrid explained the uses of the creature and how to care for it. Hagrid then got a group of the students to prepare the raw liver the creature liked, while standing next to Harry and said gently "Glad you're back on your feet, mate. I wanted to get my hands on that brat myself, but Dumbledore thought it handier to make a public example of him. He deserves what he gets anyhow."
Harry winced; thinking of the damage Hagrid could have inflicted on Malfoy and thanked his giant friend, clasping his hand. Hagrid gave his hand a quick squeeze and went over to the group of students, making sure they sliced the liver thinly enough.
Harry spent the rest of the day working slowly through his lessons and being welcomed back by both teachers and students. Snape even let up on his constant sneers at Harry and only glanced occasionally over to where Harry was seated, an odd look upon his face. Harry didn't mind though as any good thing that happened in potions was a bonus in his eyes. Hermione never left his side throughout the day, constantly making sure he was comfortable and had everything he needed. He realised how much this had all scared her. During dinner, he got Ron to deliver a quick message he had scribbled to Dobby, asking him to meet him in the common room later that evening.
Later that evening when Dobby arrived, Harry quickly explained to Dobby the change in his plans and asked the elf if he thought it was possible. Dobby squeaked excitedly, saying that he would make sure everything was ready when he needed it. Harry smiled at Dobby and thanked him and the elf, bowing low, disappeared with a crack.
Hermione then came back into the room, her arms full of books and Harry smiled, taking some of the books from her arms and placing them about the table. He worked with Hermione for the rest of the night and once more, she helped him up to bed. He noticed for the first time that she was not using the disillusionment charm and asked her why not. Hermione smiled and wrapping an arm about his waist said matter-of-factly "Well Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore both thought that I would be the one person best able to take care of you and help you, so they gave me permission to stay with you until you are feeling better."
Harry grinned at this and collapsed on the bed when they reached it, saying "Does this mean I get a back rub and sponge bath?"
Hermione giggled at this and said with a naughty tone in her voice "Well I think I can handle the back rub, but as for the sponge bath, I thought a tongue bath would be much more fun!"
Harry chuckled and said "Well I'll take the back rub, but I think I might want to wait a couple of days until I'm a bit better for the latter."
Hermione nodded, still smiling and proceeded to massage Harry's back and once he was completely relaxed, helped him dress in his pyjamas and slid in next to him, cuddling up to him.
Harry was able to walk with no trouble by the end of the week and he was glad as his plans wouldn't have worked otherwise. Hermione still was with him constantly, so he was forced to rely on Dobby to complete what they had started. He had faith in the elf's abilities though as he had given him very specific requests. Harry, Hermione and Ron spent Saturday out in the fresh air and walking around the grounds, to help Harry's body recover fully. Harry felt refreshed and exhilarated as they made their way to Hagrid's after a walk about the lake. Hagrid greeted them cheerfully and gave them each a glass of dandelion juice. They all sat outside and talked about the upcoming match with Ravenclaw and was amused to see Hermione's face darken every time she heard Cho Chang's name. He hadn't really given her much thought, since their return to Hogwarts and only saw her briefly from time to time. She often looked at him when they did meet, but he ignored her, not thinking she was worth the trouble. He wondered to himself again and again what he had seen in her, but quickly scratched it up to hormones and her looks.
He was brought back to himself by Hermione asking him if he was alright. He nodded, smiling and sipped some more juice from his glass. They then spent a pleasant evening playing exploding snap and joking around with the rest of Gryffindor tower. Hermione used the disillusionment charm for the first time that night since he had been injured, explaining that because he could walk on his own that there was no valid reason she could use to be seen coming up to bed with him. He smiled and nodded. They spent the rest of the evening kissing and cuddling, Harry telling Hermione that he did not want to overtax his system too much, since he had only just gotten better. Hermione readily agreed, just glad that he was ok and happy just to kiss and cuddle anyhow. She felt a little sadness that Harry had not worked out that tomorrow was her birthday, but reasoned that he had been through a very painful ordeal, so was entitled to a little leeway. Harry smirked as he saw the sad look on her face and with a little effort he could just glean what she was thinking, he drifted off to sleep, knowing that tomorrow was going to be a lot of fun, if things worked out right.
Harry woke up early the next morning and kissed Hermione on the nose until she woke up. He grinned at her and said in a soft whisper "Happy birthday 'Mione!"
She smiled, delighted that he had remembered her birthday after all and hugged him tightly to her. After letting him go, she sat up and said with a soft smile "I know you didn't have time to get me a present Harry, but its ok. Having you back to full health is more than enough of a present for me."
Harry smiled and kissed her softly. They both rose and went down to the common room after getting dressed. It was quiet, being so early, so Hermione did not bother with the disillusionment charm this morning and walked down hand in hand with Harry and sat at one of the tables to wait for their friends to wake up and come down. Half an hour later when they were all there, they all went downstairs to the great hall for breakfast. Harry grinned as he walked into the great hall and heard Hermione gasp beside him. In front of the seat where Hermione usually sat there was a huge birthday cake, complete with a scale model of Hogwarts and the surrounding ground on the top layer. There was a sign hanging over the table pronouncing 'Happy birthday Hermione!'
Hermione burst into tears as the whole of Gryffindor and most of the teachers rose and sang happy birthday. She turned and hugged Harry, saying "I know this is your doing, you and your disappearing acts during the last couple of weeks. Thankyou so much!"
Harry hugged her back, glad she liked it so much, but keeping his inner grin to himself, knowing that she would sense more behind it than him being happy at her response. Hermione walked over to the cake and taking the knife from Harry cut the first slice. Everyone except the Slytherin table applauded and some house elves began cutting the cake and handed it out to the students. Hermione sat smiling throughout breakfast, so happy and feeling immense love towards Harry. No one had made a big fuss over her birthday before and she wasn't even sure that Harry had even known when her birthday was. She made a note to herself that her boyfriend was far sneakier than she first suspected and made a pledge to keep her eyes more open around him in future.
Harry told Hermione that the day was completely hers to decide what to do with, but at the end of the day he had another surprise for her. She suggested that they spent most of the day alone, together by the lake. Harry agreed to this idea and suggested the idea of a picnic for lunch. Hermione readily agreed and Harry said he would meet her back in the entrance hall in ten minutes and went off towards the kitchens. Hermione took her card and present that she had received during breakfast from her parents upstairs and was surprised ten minutes later as she came back down to find Harry carrying a large picnic basket. She quickly hurried downstairs and helped him to hold the basket and chastised him for getting too much food. He shrugged and gave Hermione his lop-sided grin, which always made her give in. With an exasperated sigh and a smile, she allowed herself to be turned around and they headed out into the bright sunshine. They walked for a while, happy enough to be in each other's company and not needing to talk. They found a spot half way along one side of the lake that was hidden on all sides by a tall stand of trees. It had a large clearing that had closely cropped grass leading up to a small platform of rock that jutted out into the lake. Harry placed the basket down by one of the trees and taking Hermione's hand led her to sit at the end of the platform, having taken their shoes off and dangled their feet in the water. Hermione smiled and leaned on Harry, her arm about his waist and his arm about her shoulders.
"It is a beautiful day." She said softly, looking over the water.
Harry nodded his face placid and peaceful. "Yes, it's very beautiful. I'm always glad when I come back here; it's not just my school, but my home."
Hermione nodded, understanding and linked her arm through his, still gazing out into the distance at the forest. They spent the morning just sitting and being with each other, watching the clouds in the sky and looking over the waters of the lake. Harry appreciated the silence and serenity of his surroundings and Hermione appreciated just being there with Harry.
At around noon, Harry unpacked the picnic basket, unfolding a large white table cloth and proceeded to lay out cutlery and plates and various cold meats and salads and a selection of sandwiches. He finally pulled out a large pumpkin pie and two large bottles of pumpkin juice. Hermione laughed at the amount of food and knew for certain that under normal circumstances that such a basket could not hold so much food or implements. Harry just smiled and held out his hand to help her sit. She sat and Harry served her, putting cold meat and salad on her plate and offering her the plate of sandwiches. Hermione felt so happy and thought this was so romantic. She took a cold chicken and cheese sandwich and nibbled on it watching the man she loved as he prepared his own meal. He piled food onto his plate and giving Hermione a smile, began to eat. She couldn't help but giggle at how ravenous Harry appeared to be and she had to remind herself that while the potion helped the body to heal, Harry did require a lot of nutrients. When Hermione didn't think she could eat another bite, Harry unwrapped the pie and sliced it up, giving Hermione a large slice and a fork. She protested, but after another ten minutes there were only crumbs left from her slice. They both cleaned up, putting the remains of their picnic in the basket and leaned back against a large tree, their arms about each other.
"I'm so glad I met you, 'Mione" Harry said, winding a long piece of Hermione's hair about his finger.
"I'm glad I met you too, Love." She answered, placing her hands on either side of his face and kissing him tenderly. They both sat there, content to watch the sky and the lake.
It began to grow dark when they finally made their way back to the castle. Harry took the basket down to the kitchens and said he would meet Hermione in the entrance hall shortly. He told her to wear her cloak as they were going somewhere and she nodded, rushing upstairs, eager to find out what the surprise was. When she came back downstairs, Harry was waiting for her and he smiled. He held out a blind foldh and said "I'm going to put this aroundt your eyes so I know you won't peek."
Hermione was a little unsure, but submitted to having to be blindfolded. Harry took her hand in his when he was done and led her out side, letting her know when there were obstacles and steps. He led her across the lawn and left her momentarily, then returned and guided her into what appeared to be an underground tunnel. He led her along and whispered that they were nearly there. He then let her know that there were steps ahead and he helped her to climb them and led her through several doorways. He then positioned her against what felt like a wall and then removing the blindfold, said "Happy birthday 'Mione"
Hermione gasped. There was a room dimly lit by candles before her. In the centre of the room stood a large oak round table, with candelabra in the centre, and flowers surrounding it. There were two places set and a beaming Dobby in a little tuxedo nearly jumping up and down with excitement.
"Happy birthday Miss Granger!" He squeaked and she smiled, the tears running down her face. Harry took her hand in his and led her to her seat, helping her sit.
Dobby bustled around them once Harry had seated himself and soon enough they were eating delicious food prepared especially for their dinner. Hermione still couldn't believe what was happening. She wondered how he had found the time to set all of this up and suspected that he had contracted Dobby for most of the work. Harry looked up and smiled at her as he finished his meal and pushed his plate away, wiping his mouth with his napkin. Hermione pushed her plate away as well, full from the rich food. Harry then stood and taking Hermione's hand in his, led her to another room where a leather couch was the only furniture in the room. Harry sank into the leather, pulling Hermione down onto his lap. She smiled at him and kissed him deeply and whispered "Thankyou for a wonderful day, Harry. I appreciate it so much."
Harry smiled and kissed her, saying "I appreciate you, 'Mione. I've never shown you how much. I want to now."
They kissed for a little while longer, their hands running through each other's hair, their tongues intertwining. Harry then stood and led Hermione to the room where they had eaten dinner, to find that the furniture had disappeared, leaving the floorboards glinting in the dim candlelight. As they entered the room, music began to play and Harry turned, taking Hermione into his arms and they began to dance. Hermione was completely lost in Harry's eyes and the feelings of happiness and contentment she had. She could not remember ever being so happy, thinking she may burst with the feelings flowing through her. Harry smiled at her and leaning forward kissed her softly and whispered "The night has only begun 'Mione. Enjoy yourself and follow your heart."
He told her to wait where she was as the music faded and walked off into another room. She was left to ponder his words and the meaning behind them.