Chapter 27 - A Walk to Remember
(A/N - No, not the movie…which I haven't seen, by the way. As you will see, I chose that title for a specific reason - it has a double meaning.)
Dumbledore's piercing eyes searched the crowd in the Great Hall. Finally, he saw her. "Oh, there you are, Miss Puckle! Please come with me to my office. I have some very interesting information for you!" As she joined him and they left the hall, he couldn't resist asking her with a cheeky smile, "So, were you able to intercept Ron and Hermione before… anything happened?"
"It depends on what you mean by that, sir," she said with a neutral tone. "When I found them, there WAS something happening between them, you know…"
Albus was not able to hide the surprise on his face. "No! You don't mean…they were…well, doing what the teenagers around here seem to spend an inordinate amount of time doing, especially this time of year?"
"Actually, that was EXACTLY what I caught them at. The very thing that many teenagers spend a lot of time with, anyway!" Harmony was struggling to keep a straight face as she saw his confusion.
By this time, they had entered his office and had retired to his private study. Dumbledore's voice turned somewhat serious. "Miss Granger… please stop equivocating! I AM an old wizard, you know. I don't think my heart can take any more of this. Now what were the younger Hermione and Ron doing when you found them? Surely you didn't catch them mid-snog?"
Hearing her oldest friend use that particular phrase was the last straw. A laugh exploded from her lips, and it took a minute for her to catch her breath. Finally, she said, still gasping for air, "Albus, you…you should have seen yourself just now! It was just so…funny to hear you actually say…that you thought …Hermione and Ron…were 'caught in mid-snog' as you so bluntly put things! Of COURSE they weren't! As I said, they were doing what many teenagers do around here, well, those that aren't snogging each other, of course! They were in a full-blown argument! I mean, that's how I was able to locate them - I could hear their voices as soon as I left the castle. Seems that Ron has still not taken the time to actually apologize to Hermione about the whole Crookshanks-attacking-Scabbers issue, and my younger self had pointedly reminded him of that fact. So, they were…well, yelling at each other quite loudly when I arrived." Dumbledore's expression had changed from surprise to amusement by this time, as Harmony continued.
"By the way, sir; that is the very reason that there will NEVER be any snogging between me and Ronald Weasley, in ANY timeline, thank you very much! When I was younger, I actually did think about what he would be like as a boyfriend for a short while. I soon realized that neither one of us would be happy in that kind of relationship with each other. Much of our interaction, especially when Harry wasn't around, consisted of the two of us arguing about the silliest things. I suppose I did it just to bait him, and he did it just to tease me, but I can't see that as a basis for anything permanent. Harry and I, on the other hand, have a different way of handling disagreements in my timeline - it's more like how my parents work things out, I suppose. That's what I'm looking for…when the time comes… Sorry, sir, I got distracted again. Now, what was it that you wanted to tell me? Is it something about Harry?"
"Actually, it is, but it also has a lot to do with you, also. After you left my office, I went down to see Remus off, and, as I suspected, Harry was already there. Remus gave him that wonderful map back, by the way. You know, Harmony, if you could arrange it somehow, I'd like to examine it more closely one of these days. Quite remarkable all the things those Marauders were able to get away with right under my nose…" he mused. "Well, never mind that. As I was saying, Harry and I said our goodbyes to Remus, and then we had a talk about what had happened last night, and how important it was that he did not take Pettigrew's life when he had the chance. You, of all people, know how powerful a wizard's contract can be, and one that is tied to a life debt is even stronger. He also told me about the prophecy that Professor Trelawney gave during his Divination exam. You've already told us about it as we have discussed the events of this year. But, the strange thing is, that it was different this time from the one you related to me. There was an additional line…Harry related it to me this way: something about 'other servants whose plans are being interfered with rejoining their master in time', and he wanted to know if I understood what that might mean."
Harmony gasped as she immediately understood the implications of the new prophecy, and then smiled broadly. "So…my excursion in time is doing something, anyway!! I am actually interfering with their plans! Oh, Albus, thank you so much for passing that on to me! Although, I don't like the part about the other servants still rejoining their master…" and her smile faded just as quickly as she also remembered exactly what that rejoining would lead to. "No…that means…not that again…!"
"What is it, my dear? Why are you so sad all of the sudden? Please tell me, if you can." The headmaster's voice was very calming to her, and she was able to collect herself.
"Before I answer, Albus, just how much do you want to know about what will happen to certain…students…and others? I mean, you saw some of it in the Pensieve when I first arrived here, but I specifically avoided revealing certain…memories. Please help me with this, Albus, how much should I tell you? Would telling you these things and possibly changing events as a result, corrupt the timeline even worse than Tom did? OHHHH! This is SO frustrating!" she said with a grimace.
"Hermione, my dear, I've had this discussion with you and many others before. As I have said to you time and time again, DO NOT tell me any more than you must say to help us help you RESTORE the timeline to the way your memories say it should be, at least as closely as possible. Certain events that are changed by your mere presence here are unavoidable, but other critical events MUST remain the same, I fear. If I understand you correctly now, you have knowledge of serious injury, death, or both resulting from events that have been put back into play by our efforts. Without trying to sound heartless and cruel, my dear, you must remember we ALL have to die some time. It is, as the old saying goes, not how long we live, but how we live that matters most. Death is just the next great adventure, you know!"
Hermione sighed, "Yes, I understand all the lectures and theories, but it is a lot harder when you actually have to put the theory into practice. I just wish there was some way…"
Dumbledore cut her off. "You can't start thinking that way! Just remember why you took that sleeping potion - to prevent you from interfering in any way, even accidentally, in those critical events. You have to trust that you did the right thing by doing the least amount possible. And, thank you for the reminder. Even I need one from time to time, you know. I now know exactly what I must say when Harry asks about the new version of the prophecy. I will be sure and talk to him before he leaves for the summer."
****
Though the weather was perfect, though the atmosphere was so cheerful, though he knew that they had achieved the near impossible in helping Sirius to freedom, Harry had never approached the end of a school year in worse spirits. This was partially because of Professor Lupin's resignation, but mainly because of how unbearable life had been in Slytherin House since the night of Buckbeak's escape with Sirius. Malfoy, of course, was the worst of the lot. While he was incensed thinking that a simple gamekeeper was able to thwart his father's plans to execute that hippogriff, he was also insufferable in his repeated crowing over both Harry's banishment from the Quidditch team and Professor Lupin's forced resignation. He needled Harry about both of these facts incessantly whenever he saw him; as did most of the rest of the house. Harry took to using the invisibility cloak and the map every night to assist him in finding new places to sleep without the constant threat of either verbal or physical attack.
Unfortunately, that was not all that was on Harry's mind. He couldn't help thinking about Professor Trelawney's prediction. He kept wondering where Pettigrew was now…
****
The exam results came out on the last day of term. Harry, Ron, and Hermione had passed every subject, although Harry's potions mark was the lowest he had ever received. Harry wouldn't have thought it possible that Snape's feelings for him would have changed so drastically this year, from being a relatively friendly head of house to feeling like he considered Harry an outcast, based on the professor's threatening glares and comments whenever he saw Harry.
It was, therefore, a rather distressed frame of mind that Harry found himself in as he was wandering aimlessly around the grounds after getting his exam results. But, his mood changed immediately as he heard a familiar, cheerful voice. "Oh, Harry, there you are! I've been looking all over for you! I've got to keep a promise to you, you know, and this evening is my last chance!" Hermione had closed the gap between them very rapidly after spotting him. "I hope you're not avoiding me, Harry! I owe you a walk and a Shakespeare lesson, you know!"
"Oh, yeah, that's right! I forgot all about that!" Harry said with a smile on his face.
Hermione's face fell as she heard this. "So, does that mean you're not interested any more, Harry?" If he didn't know better, he could have sworn she was pouting.
"Of course not, Hermione! I've been looking forward to it from the day you promised me. In fact, I even thought of something I could do for you in trade! But, well, you know, I've had a lot on my mind recently…what with Sirius and Lupin and all..."
For some reason, Hermione could tell that Harry wasn't sharing everything that was on his mind with her, and was bold enough to say so. "Anything besides that, Harry? I think something else is bothering you, too…am I right?"
He deliberately avoided her eyes as he answered, "No, nothing, Hermione…I'm fine." He quickly tried to change the subject back to more pleasant thoughts. "Now, what was this about a walk and a lesson? How do you want to do this? When we get back from our walk, will we need a classroom or something to work in?"
"Silly, it's not THAT kind of a lesson!" she giggled. "No, this is more of a …practical lesson. Yes, that's it! A…hands-on approach to Shakespeare, you might say. I was thinking we could…well, do it outdoors, in fact. These late-spring evenings this far north are perfect for what I have in mind."
"Great, Hermione! That sounds like it will work well for what I wanted to show you." At her curious look, he tried to explain. "You know the trade I just told you about? It will be easier outdoors, too! I hope you like it when you see it! So, when and where are we going to do this, Hermione?
Hermione was positively beaming as she thought about her plans, even more so now that Harry was going to show her something, too. "Oh, I've got it all planned out - never you mind about that. Just meet me in the Entrance Hall when you would normally go to dinner, and bring a good appetite…for both knowledge and food!" And with that, she winked at him and headed back towards the castle and a very important pep talk.
"Oh, Harmony…are you sure this will work out okay? I'm getting very nervous now. What do I do if Harry…well, doesn't like my plans for this evening?" Hermione's was quite agitated as she considered those very plans while seated in Miss Puckle's office. She came in with the excuse of helping her friend pack a few necessities for her stay in London over the summer, but this was quickly forgotten as she realized what she was about to do.
"Steady on, my dear. You're working yourself into a right state, now aren't you! If you go to him looking this flustered, you're sure to get him concerned. Take some deep breaths and relax. It's not like you're taking him to some dark corner of the castle to have your way with him, you know!" At these words, and the thoughts they brought to mind of a certain young wizard of HER dreams, Harmony had to stop for a moment and take her own advice. Fortunately, the younger Miss Granger was unaware of this, as she had taken the instructions to heart and was breathing like a swimmer attempting a new breath-holding record.
"Not that deep, Hermione! Slow, deep breaths, not that puffing you were doing! Now, as I was saying, all you are doing is going for a walk to that spot by the lake I showed you, and then you're having a nice, friendly picnic. After the meal, during which I expect you to actually CONVERSE intelligently with him and not just feed your respective faces, you will then proceed with your Shakespeare instruction. Fortunately, I was able to bring my copy of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare with me from London last holiday, so you have a text to work with. And then, well, my dear, let nature take its course! I doubt that he will be an unwilling student, if I know Mr. Potter as well as I think I do!" Under her breath, Harmony muttered something that sounded like "…just making sure he's veela-proof…" but Hermione wasn't sure what that meant.
"Oh, that's right, I forgot to mention…When I just told him the time and place to meet me, he said something about a trade he has planned for me for teaching him tonight. He said there's something he wants to show me! So, do I let him go first, or what? I wonder what it could be?"
"Well, it could be a LOT of things, my dear, many of which I'd prefer not to bring to your mind right now! Be that as it may, I think you should let him go first, right after you finish feeding him those strawberries and cream I got for you. You never know, you may not ever get to the Shakespeare lesson at that, depending on what he has in mind!", Harmony said with a wicked grin that caused Hermione to turn her head in embarrassment. "MISS PUCKLE! I am shocked that you would say such a thing!", but, after getting to know her so well in the years since they met, she really wasn't shocked at all.
****
Fortunately, Harry found that his dorm room, not to mention the Slytherin Common Room, was empty that afternoon as he got ready for…well, his first date ever, he realized, "…and it's with Hermione, too!" he smiled broadly in the mirror as a warm feeling surged in his chest. The weather outside was perfect, and no one seemed to want to stay indoors. He couldn't bear to think of the comments that he would have faced from his housemates if they saw him taking such care in his preparations. After a very thorough shower, he put on the nicest jumper and trousers he could find of all of Dudley's hand-me-downs, and then tried to do something with his hair. As usual, the mirror in the room was less than subtle in its remarks about the hopelessness of his efforts, but he did what he could. "Well, Potter, that's as good as it gets under the circumstances…I just hope Hermione doesn't mind too awfully much!"
Hermione, on the other hand, was having a similar conversation with the mirror in HER equally deserted dorm room. "What do you mean, my hair is still too bushy? Do I have to put more of that Sleekeasy stuff on? OHHHH! And no, I can't do anything about my teeth. Harry says he likes them the way they are, anyway! So there!" She stuck out her tongue at the mirror with a laugh, smoothing down the periwinkle blue jumper and matching skirt that Miss Puckle had recommended she wear. "I just hope Harry doesn't mind too awfully much!"
Finally, the long-anticipated time had come. Dinner would be starting in just a few minutes in the Great Hall, and Harry, who had been ready for a good thirty minutes already, was trying unsuccessfully to look nonchalant as he paced a lap around the Entrance Hall, for at least the tenth time.
He muttered softly, again for at least the tenth time, "What if she decided not to come? No, you're just being silly, Potter…Hermione's not that kind of girl…"
"I'm not what kind of girl, Harry?" her familiar voice came up behind him. He turned, and he finally understood the old Muggle phrase about "a sight for sore eyes…"
"Hermione…is that…you?" His jaw dropped and…he remembered…
Just what he thought he remembered was interrupted by Hermione's teasing voice. "Of course, Harry! Were you expecting someone else? I don't remember you mentioning any other plans you had for this evening?" At his unwavering stare, she started to get self-conscious. "What is it, Harry? Something wrong with the way I look? It's the best I can do with what I've got, you know…" she said, attempting to sound unconcerned.
"Er…no…Hermione, there's nothing wrong with the way you look…it's just…well, your hair looks so…and that color of blue…wow!" His voice seemed to fail him as he continued to stare at his friend.
"Well, you look quite dashing, yourself, Harry," she said diplomatically, in an attempt to ease his obvious embarrassment. Actually, she thought the two sizes-too large jumper and slightly too-worn trousers needed some serious attention, but she knew that he was doing the "best he could with what he had", also. <Hmm…well, if things go the way I hope, the two of us will have to go on a clothes shopping trip one of these days, soon! I'm sure he'll clean up nicely, given a little bit of help!>. To him, she said, "So, been waiting for me long? I had to stop and pick up our picnic basket, you know! Miss Puckle helped make the arrangements."
Harry's voice slowly started returning as he realized she had asked him a question. "No, not long at all, Hermione! In fact, I just got here right before you!" he lied, quite unconvincingly.
Hermione was not fooled, for she had seen him lost in thought, pacing around the hall for a good five minutes before she worked up the courage to meet him. But, she handed him the picnic basket while she took a large blanket that she had brought from her bed, and they headed out the front doors.
As they walked down the hill from the castle, Harry's confidence returned as he remembered just who he was with, and how much he had been looking forward to this moment. He spoke in an almost normal voice as he asked her, "So… where are we going, Hermione? You said something about a walk? I assume we're going to a place where we can eat, right?"
"Yes, there's this place on the lakeshore that is pretty secluded. In fact, it's not too far from where…well, you saved us from the dementors that night. I thought that would work out best, because I'd rather not have our lesson interrupted. It might be rather embarrassing… for you, you know!"
"Yeah, if someone came across the two of us talking about Shakespeare, I'm sure I'd never be able to live it down! Thanks for thinking about that, Hermione!" They walked the rest of the way in silence, close but not touching, although Hermione could have sworn she caught him glancing at her from time to time. <So, I guess I've successfully attracted his attention… Harmony was right about the Sleekeasy and this outfit!>
When they reached the spot Miss Puckle had shown her, Harry was suitably impressed. "This is really nice, Hermione! That big flat rock over there will make a perfect table, and, since we both passed our exams recently, I'm sure we can transfigure us some chairs, now can't we?"
"Well, actually, Harry, that's not…well, that's not how a picnic goes. You're supposed to…eat on the ground, you know. Why do you think I brought this nice blanket?" Hermione asked, but then she realized before he even said anything what the problem was.
"Well, er…I…the Dursley's…" Harry stammered, suddenly painfully ashamed of his upbringing.
"Oh, Harry, I'm sorry…you know I didn't mean to embarrass you. You've never been on a picnic before, have you?" she said sadly.
"No, they always seemed to find a way to foist me off on someone else when they went. All I know about picnics is that they have something to do with baskets and ants. I actually thought you were bringing the blanket in case you got cold tonight or something. I'm sure Petunia would NEVER allow one of her good blankets to be used on something as unclean as the ground, you know! In fact, that's how I got the only blanket I ever had growing up - it blew off the clothesline in a wind storm when I was about five and ended up on my bed that night." As he noticed her look of…pity, followed quickly by anger, Harry said quickly. "It's okay, Hermione. I've long since realized that my unique…upbringing is not what anyone would call normal. If only I could have gone to live with Sirius…"
Hermione completed that thought to herself while she expertly spread out the blanket. <…or me…> but shook her head to dismiss the impossibility of it…or, was it impossible? <I'll have to see…I'm sure Mom and Dad wouldn't mind. We have that spare bedroom next to mine…>. Her pleasant thoughts were interrupted as she realized Harry was still talking to her about Sirius while she had been getting the food out of the basket.
"..I just barely met him, you know, and now, I miss him so much! He said he would like to have me stay with him! But now, I don't even know when I'll see him again…I don't even want to risk sending him a letter unless I hear from him first!" He flopped down next to her on the blanket, looking very forlorn.
"Harry, listen to me, please! Don't get yourself all worked up! I'm sure you'll hear from your godfather as soon as he can get settled somewhere. As to your summer holidays, I'd rather that you not have to deal with them for too long. I'm sure Miss Puckle and I will be able to figure out some way to get you out of the Dursley's 'evil clutches' soon. Really soon, Harry," said Hermione earnestly. "We promise."
Again, as had happened the last time she said those words to him, she saw that Harry's face went completely blank. "Harry, what I said just now…it triggered that memory again, didn't it? The one you said you couldn't share with me last time, when I proposed this get-together? Can you now? Please? Trust me, Harry, I really think you need to tell someone," she said with as much warmth as she could express.
Harry continued to stare deep into Hermione's eyes, lost in thought. Normally self-conscious when under that kind of scrutiny, Hermione thought instead that she would be glad to let him look for as long as he wanted as she stared back into his green eyes. Finally, she could almost feel him gather his courage to speak. "Yes, Hermione, you're right. It is time…" and he proceeded to share with her what he had seen in his mind twice now.
"It was the same both times," he started in slowly. "We were at King's Cross Station, and you were…well, older, like I mentioned before. Based on your teeth, and…erm, that other difference we discussed last time, well, yeah, you were at least a little older than you were that other time I told you about. You were walking away from me, and you looked so…beautiful… and you made that same promise to me about doing something really soon… then, I remember feeling a sad, sinking feeling deep inside, like I wouldn't be seeing you again for a long time. But, there's more to it than that. As I was walking towards the car park, somehow I knew that I had hurt you very badly …I remember thinking about a battle…I saw you lying unconscious in a strange room, and for some reason Neville Longbottom was there and he said you had a pulse…" Harry's voice, which had gotten progressively softer while he was speaking, caught in his throat in an unmistakable sob at the emotions he was remembering.
Hermione had already moved closer to him so she could hear better, and when she heard his sob she instinctively put her hand on his. "It's okay, Harry. I'm fine. I'm here with you, and I'm not hurt. Let it out, Harry, I'm listening,", but her heart nearly broke at his next words.
"Hermione, whatever happened to you in that room, I know I caused it! I might have killed…" and he broke down in tears. Immediately, Harry felt her arms around him as they sat on the blanket, and he once again felt an indescribable joy fill his chest.
"Harry, listen to me…I'm here. Feel me in your arms. I'm not dead. You haven't hurt me! I don't think that's even possible, Harry. I think I know you better than that," and her eyes glistened with tears as she said it.
The two teenagers just sat there, crying softly on each other's shoulders as they held each other, sharing strength with each other through the warmth of their embrace. Finally, he started to regain some composure and he began to apologize. "Hermione, I…I didn't mean to…well, let you see me that way. It's not very manly, now is it?" he said with a weak smile. "I'm normally not all that emotional…it's just…"
"Mister Harry Potter! You just stop right there!" she said firmly, releasing him from her hug just enough to look him in the eyes. "You don't see me storming off in disgust, now do you? I was just about ready to thank you for trusting me enough to share that with me, and I will not have you apologize to me for what just happened here. You have nothing to be ashamed of, you know. I'd rather be with someone like you that can share his feelings than …well, someone who can't seem to ever do that without shouting," and a familiar red-headed boy's face crossed her mind.
"Yeah…well, just promise me you won't tell anyone about it, okay?" he said seriously. "I mean, it's bad enough having to live in Slytherin House as it is, but if anyone there got wind of this, I don't know that I'd be able to survive the fallout."
"Here, hand me your glasses. I'll dry them while you wipe your eyes on this serviette," she said, opening the picnic basket and rooting around for a minute. "Seriously, Harry, don't you know I'd never tell another student about this? Remember, you can trust me!" she winked at him as she said this, trying to cheer him up. "But, that brings up a good point I wanted to talk to you about. First, let's start in on this wonderful dinner, though!"
As they got settled with their food, Hermione continued as they ate. "Harry, I've always wanted to know…just why are you in Slytherin House? Did the sorting hat…well, offer you another choice at the time? I don't know if you know this, but when I was sorted, the hat seriously considered putting me in Ravenclaw. But then, he said something about me being braver than I was smart, so he asked me which one I preferred, and I chose Gryffindor."
"Actually, no," Harry admitted truthfully. "But, funny you should mention that. Remember last year, when I had that run-in with the Basilisk?" She nodded, eyes widening at the memories. "Well, afterwards, the headmaster told me…that only a true Gryffindor could have pulled that sword I used out of the sorting hat, so he offered me the chance to, how'd he put it… 'give it a try in Gryffindor.' At the time, he said that they could make the necessary arrangements to house me in the tower."
It was now time for Hermione's jaw to drop. "Are you serious, Harry? That's…well, I've read all of Hogwarts, a History, you know…Oh, stop it!" she giggled as he rolled his eyes at her, "…and I've never heard of a student ever being allowed to switch houses after their sorting. So, did you even consider it? Why didn't you take him up on it?"
"I almost did, Hermione. I remember as soon as he offered the chance to me, I immediately thought of …well, you, to be totally honest, how nice it would be to be in the same house with you…and the Weasley's, of course," he said quickly. "But, as I thought about it some more, I realized the time wasn't right. I was still getting along with …my head of house then, and I saw that I still had a few friends there, with Blaise's group of 'misfits', so I chose to stay where I was at the time."
"But now, Harry?" she finished his thought for him. "Do you still feel the same way…about switching, that is?"
He once again looked deeply into her eyes, as if he were seeking the strength he needed to say what had to be said. "No, Hermione…I can't say that I do…!"
"So, what are you going to do about it?" she prompted gently.
"Well, I suppose it's time to have a little talk with Dumbledore and see if his offer is still good." Harry said, simply. "Now, let's have some more of that great food, and then I think we have some lessons to get to!"
Now that the "ice" had broken in their relationship, Harry and Hermione found as they sat together eating their dinner that they were very comfortable talking together about anything and everything. It was as if they were lifelong friends who had been interrupted in the middle of a conversation, and when they met again, they picked it up right where they left off.
Finally, as Harry popped the last cream-covered strawberry in Hermione's mouth as she lay stretched out on the blanket, the meal was over. "Why don't you clean up the dishes, Harry, and I'll put them away." Harry waved his wand, said "Scourgify!", and the plates and glasses they had used were once again sparkling. Hermione nodded in approval, waved her wand and said "Pack!" They laughed, both thinking how much harder Muggles had it.
"Since you were so kind as to bring the meal, I suppose it's time for me to return the favor." Harry said, smiling broadly. "Are you ready?"
Hermione could barely contain her curiosity. "What is it, Harry! What have you been planning?"
"Well, I…I heard…that you had some trouble with your DADA exam, and…I thought I might be able to …tutor you a little on some things I picked up from Professor Lupin. Anything at all that you think you could use some help with," he said, watching her reaction carefully.
"Oh…well, of course, Harry. I…can't say that I was expecting that, but, yes. I'd love to have you show me what you've learned. OOOH! Can you show me your…well, your Patronus?" she said excitedly..
"Actually, that's exactly what I thought of, and that is why I was so happy when you said we were doing this outside. It gives the Patronus room to form and move around, you know. So, to form a Patronus, you…"
Trying to sound as if he were an instructor himself, Harry began demonstrating various aspects of the Patronus charm to her, showing her the differences in the power of the shield based on the strength of the happy memory he used. After one demonstration, only a tiny puff of silver came out of his wand and faded quickly. "See, that time, I was just thinking of finding a lost Knut on the ground, and, while a nice thought, it's not nearly happy enough to do any good."
"So," Hermione had switched into 'student' mode. "If I understand you correctly, Harry, you could, with practice, bring up thoughts of different 'powers', shall we say, to create a Patronus of exactly the right size for the situation. That would keep you from overtaxing your magical energy unnecessarily, now wouldn't it? Harry, I think you may be on to something here. Let's see…now, finding a Knut on the ground, that seems to be sort of a minimum threshold, doesn't it? We could establish that as a power baseline, and then think of increasingly happier thoughts, and compare the size and strength of the resulting Patronus. Remind me next term to talk to Miss Puckle and Professor Vector about this - we need to use some Arithmancy analysis techniques on this charm, and between the two of them, they know a lot about both subjects. Okay, Harry, if this is true, then let's see what your upper limit is…without being too nosy, what's the happiest memory you've ever felt when you've created a Patronus. Like, say, the one you used to chase off all of those Dementors…"
"Ahem…well, to tell you the truth…" he said, clearing his throat nervously, "if I ever need to create a really powerful Patronus, I…well, Ithinkofyou," he said very softly and rapidly.
"What was that, Harry? I didn't quite hear you." She actually had, but she was enjoying watching him squirm a little.
"I…I think of you, okay?" he said, reddening quickly.
"Just checking, Harry…" she said with what is best described as a Cheshire cat grin. "So, let's try that. Why don't you think …well, whatever you think about when you think of me, and then cast the Patronus just so I can see the difference? If this works the way I suspect, I'll know that there is a reason to proceed with this whole investigation."
"Sounds reasonable, Hermione…Okay, here we go." This time, however, he had a new thought to focus on. He remembered how he had just felt this very evening, feeling Hermione in his arms, sharing her strength with him, being with her, talking to her, feeding each other strawberries and cream, and… "EXPECTO PATRONUM!"
The resulting explosion of power from his wand would have blinded any Muggles that might have witnessed it. As it was, Hermione had to cover her eyes with her arm as a gigantic stag, appearing to be made out of pure diamond, burst out. She blinked, and the Patronus walked majestically around them, finally coming over next to her. She felt compelled, somehow, to reach out to the magnificent sight, and cautiously touched the shining form. "Harry, it…it's so…solid!" she said in awe. "And…so beautiful…"
The Patronus lasted for a full ten minutes before it faded. During that time, Harry drummed up the courage to climb on its back after silently asking for permission. After he was settled, he reached out his hand to Hermione. "Just like with the Hippogriff, you know…although I don't think this one will be flying off with us." Since she was wearing a skirt, ("Well, I wasn't expecting to be riding a stag today, now was I?", she said testily to an amused Harry) she ended up sitting down on the stag in front of him sidesaddle so she would maintain some propriety, just as her mother taught her. He put his arms around her to steady her, and the stag's power seemed to surge immediately. The stag began to walk slowly around their picnic site. The two teens rode him, basking in the energy they felt, until the edges of the stag started to shimmer and slowly fade. They dismounted before it completely faded and then they sat down on the blanket, both of them with jaws dropped almost to their chest.
"WOW!"
Harry and Hermione both sat there stunned, amazed at what had just happened.
"And for my next act…" Harry finally managed to croak out. "Hermione, I promise, I wasn't expecting that…not at all," he said, weakly.
Hermione was still attempting to collect herself after witnessing the magical power Harry had just demonstrated. "I…well …very…impressive, Harry…I didn't know…that it would be so big…and solid…and last so long…" Her voice started to come back. "Are you okay, Harry? You sounded a little weak there! Did you overdo it? Do we need to go back to the castle and see Madam Pomfrey?"
"NO...I mean, no, of course not…Actually, I've never felt better. It's almost as if that didn't take any effort at all. I'm not tired, just surprised! When I was holding you just then, it was as if…you were helping me keep it going…as if you were sharing your magic with me."
"That's strange…that's exactly what I felt, Harry! But, it wasn't draining at all, either. Well, more mysteries to investigate, I guess. I'd still like to tell Harmony and Professor Vector about this, you know."
"Are you sure, Hermione? I know you like them both, and Miss Puckle has been very nice to me, but…now that I think about it, I'd almost rather keep that between us, you know."
"Okay, Harry…How's this? If in the future, we both feel that we can talk to someone about it, we'll do it together."
"Yes, that would work…I just don't want you to tell her all about it without me there, for some reason."
After a minute of blissful silence sitting on the blanket wrapped in each other's arms, Hermione said sadly, "But Harry, after what you just showed me, I'm sure my…Shakespeare lesson will be somewhat of a disappointment. I don't think Romeo and Juliet can compare with what just happened."
"I beg to differ, 'Mione. I did a little research on that play too, you know, and I'm not too sure that there aren't a lot of similarities between what we just did and the two of them. Although, you ARE a lot older than Juliet, now aren't you!" he said, flashing a grin at her. "I mean, you're almost 15, and she wasn't quite 14 if I remember right?" And wasn't Romeo the older of the two? That doesn't match with us at all!
"Oh, yes, I'm positively ancient" she answered wryly, standing up while pretending to stoop over and walk with a cane. "And you are SO much younger than me, Mr. Potter - I'll be accused of robbing the cradle, now won't I? By the way, Harry, what was that you just called me now?"
"Erm…I just called you 'Mione, didn't I? I didn't mean to! Ron told me how much you hate being called that! I'm so sorry…"
"Oh, stop apologizing! I don't like it if anyone else, especially Ron, calls me that…but, in your case, I really don't mind." Harry heard a definite purr in her voice. "My parents call me that, you know, so it's sort of personal. Just one thing, Harry, promise me you won't call me that around anyone else…and don't do it all the time. I don't think that would be a good idea. I'd hate to get tired of hearing you say that to me."
"Okay, 'Mione…it is easier to say, you know. Now, I want YOU to stop apologizing - I've been looking forward to this lesson you've been promising me for weeks now, and I'm not leaving here until you give me what I want!" he finished, winking at her cheekily.
"Thanks, Harry…let's get started, then." and she smiled again at him, causing his heart to flutter.
Hermione began by transfiguring the ground itself into a reasonable-looking stage, and charmed their respective clothes to appear as the traditional costumes of Romeo and Juliet. "That will help get us in the mood, Harry. Like I said, this is going to be a practical lesson."
She proceeded to give a short, but accurate summary of not only the play, but the historical context of the time and place it was both set in and written in. Harry had never been so enthralled by a subject in his life, although he knew it was because of his newly awakened feelings for the instructor. "Now, Harry, why don't we try some of the play ourselves? We're dressed for it, you know, and I think this would allow us to experience its themes first hand. You up for it, Harry?"
"Sure, Hermione, although I don't have any experience reading lines…Petunia refused to let me participate in any plays at school. Said she didn't want to have to spend money on a costume for me."
"Never mind that, Harry. You don't have to memorize anything, just read along and I'm sure you'll do fine. Hmmm…here's a good scene, just the two of us. It's the first time Romeo and Juliet meet…Act 1 Scene 5 lines 93 through 110, you see where I am? Great…You've got the first line, so go ahead when you're ready."
Harry grinned, and started his lines, although he was unfamiliar at first with the archaic language of the Bard. "If I profane with my unworthiest hand, this holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss."
Hermione picked up the scene as if she had practiced for quite some time, (which, honestly, she had…) "Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, which mannerly devotion shows in this; for saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, and palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss."
"Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?"
"Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer."
"O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do; they pray -- grant thou, lest faith turn to despair." Harry had finally figured out where this scene was leading, and started to smile.
Hermione kept going bravely as she saw him smile, since she had been anticipating this moment for some time now. "Saints do not move, though grant for prayers' sake."
"Then move not, while my prayer's effect I take. Thus from my lips, by yours, my sin is purged." (And, right on cue, he looked deeply into her eyes, and then kissed Hermione gently.)
After a pause to catch her breath, Hermione continued, a bit unsteady on her feet. "Then have my lips the sin that they have took."
"Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again." Harry's kiss was much more enthusiastic this time, which didn't upset Hermione at all.
She sighed happily as she looked into the eyes of an equally happy Harry, and said her final line from the scene, "You kiss by the book."
"You were right, Hermione…"Harry said back to her after some additional practice, "You promised you'd make it interesting…"
****
The next day, Harry, still on an emotional high from the night before, was surprised to see a note appear next to his plate at breakfast. It consisted of a simple sentence: "Come see me in my office as soon as you can…the password is Candy Kisses", and it was signed by the headmaster.
He hurried to Dumbledore's office and knocked on the door, hoping to hear something more about the prophecy. Instead, he was surprised to see Professor McGonagall standing next to Dumbledore, as was Professor Snape, whose face had apparently developed a noticeable tic.
The headmaster spoke first. "Mr. Potter, it has been brought to our attention that you would like to follow up on my conversation with you from just over a year ago, in which I offered you the opportunity to switch your house affiliation. Is this information correct?"
Harry chuckled to himself <Well, Hermione sure didn't waste any time, did she? I'll have to thank her when I see her. I was going to wait until later to see the headmaster.> then he said, quietly. "Well…yes sir, it is." At this, Snape visibly stiffened, while McGonagall's eyes widened and he thought he almost saw her smile for a second.
"As you may have already heard, Harry, a change in house affiliation during a student's stay here has never happened before at Hogwarts. But, due to the unique information we discovered last year, along with …recent events that have occurred, I feel that this is the best option for you now. As of now, you are officially a member of Gryffindor House, and beginning in the Fall term, you will be moving in with the other fourth year male students. The teachers and staff will all be notified of this change as appropriate, and the heads of houses will pass the word on to their students. Thank you, Severus, Minerva, for witnessing this change. If you would so kindly excuse us now, now, I need a private word with Mr. Potter."
The two professors left and Harry waited patiently for Dumbledore to speak. "Harry, I have three things to say to you. First, welcome to Gryffindor, and congratulations for making the decision you made last night when the time was right. I assume that you…well, had a little help in making up your mind?" His eyes twinkled as Harry stared at them.
"Yes sir, I did, from a very good friend of mine." Harry said with a wide grin.
"Then, Harry, that brings up the second thing I wanted to say: Congratulations again…on your choice of 'very good friends'. I have it on very good authority that…well, let's say it's about time! Finally, Harry, I'm sure you are still curious about that one phrase in the prophecy you asked me about. After fully studying it and evaluating it carefully, I have come to the conclusion…" Harry was holding his breath, waiting for Dumbledore's next words. "…that I don't know exactly what it may mean!"
"Wha…what?" Harry let out his breath rather explosively. "But, I thought…surely you have an idea?"
"Unfortunately, regardless of what Professor Trelawney may have inferred in her classes this year, divination is a rather imprecise art form. Any interpretation of that prophecy at this time would be premature. I will continue to study it, and if I find anything of interest to you, I'll be sure and let you know. Now, I think you have a train to catch, Mr. Potter!"
*****
As the Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station, Hermione gave Harry and Ron some surprising news in the compartment the three of them shared with Crookshanks and Hedwig.
"I went to see Professor McGonagall this morning, just before breakfast. I've decided to drop Muggle Studies."
"But you passed your exam with three hundred and twenty percent!" said Ron.
"I know, sighed Hermione, "but I can't stand another year like this one. That Time-Turner, it was driving me mad. I've handed it in. Without Muggle Studies and Divination, I'll be able to have a normal schedule again."
Ron decided that he needed to visit the loo, so Harry took the opportunity to give her a hug and a quick kiss as he said, "Hermione, I assume that you had something else to say to Professor McGonagall this morning besides turning in that Time-Turner, am I right? Thank you for that, by the way! I was going to tell Ron the news, but I guess we'll have to find something else to keep us occupied until he gets back." She smiled a wicked grin at him, but before he put his arms around her again, he said, "'Mione, I still can't believe you didn't tell Ron or me about that Time-Turner. I know we weren't all that close of friends in the past, well, at least not as close as we are now, but it would have explained a lot, you know, and maybe I could have helped lighten your load a little."
"Oh, Harry, you don't know how much I would have liked to tell you, but I had to promise just about everyone from the Minister for Magic on down that I wouldn't tell anyone, especially you! But, it's over with now, and I'd say we have a few minutes at least before Ron comes back, and these blinds are pretty good at keeping snooping eyes from seeing in this compartment, so…"
***
As late afternoon approached, Harry was the happiest he thought he had ever been. He had…well, a girlfriend, a new House to look forward to next term, and a potential invitation to attend the Quidditch World Cup with the Weasleys. Ron, when he had heard about his new dorm mate, had excitedly offered to check if Mr. Weasley could get a ticket for him, too. "Well, only if you invite her along!" he said, pointing at Hermione who was sitting on the opposite seat to keep up appearances. "I'm sure she would love to go, too, wouldn't you, Miss Granger?"
"Honestly, Harry!" Ron said with exasperation. "You don't have to call her Miss Granger any more. I mean, she's in your same house now. Surely you can call her by her first name, can't you? I mean, you don't mind, do you, Hermione?"
"Oh…no, I suppose I could let him do that, if he wants to, that is. How about it, Mr. Potter…I mean, Harry? You think we can call each other by our first names all the time now?" Harry shook her outstretched hand with exaggerated formality. As he did so, though, he caught her eye and both of them nearly burst into laughter. Ron smiled at both of them, totally oblivious. "All right, then, that should get you two off to a good start. Can't have you fighting from the word go, now can we?" he said, obviously proud of his peacemaking skills.
"Harry," said Hermione suddenly, peering over his shoulder. "What's that thing outside your window?"
****
"I'll call about the World Cup!" Ron yelled after Harry as Harry bid him goodbye. He then turned back to Hermione, who had a sad look on her face. "Oh, Harry, please be careful this summer…don't go blowing up any relatives or anything. Assuming Ron can get tickets for us, I expect to see you at that Quidditch thing…what do you call it?" she said, grinning. "In fact, I can't wait to have a chance to 'greet' you. I've heard that absence makes the heart grow fonder, you know…"
"I'm not too sure," Harry said, grinning back at her. "I'd say I'm already pretty fond of you as it is…don't know if I could GET any more fonder of you…that'll be an interesting experiment. I'll let you know the results when I see you next time!" and with that, he kissed her quickly before he wheeled his trolley toward Uncle Vernon…
****END OF YEAR THREE
(A/N - Hmmm…was that enough H/Hr interaction for you…considering that this won't go beyond a PG-13 fic? In the final repost of this chapter, I have added a bit more detail to the Romeo and Juliet scene compared to when it was originally posted to make it a little more clear what happened.)