Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns all the books and the characters. With the proceeds of HBP alone, may I recommend simply purchasing Scotland outright?
Chapter 18 Summary: Through the aid of an elf named Zibby, Hermione escapes the clutches of the Death Eaters and attempts to find her way to safety. Weary, nearly starved, and delirious after a week of wandering through the forest, she collapses. Deep despair consumes her mind with the realization that the faces she sees of her friends are only the products of her dire situation and her longing for Hogwarts. But, as she succumbs to the darkness, it is this hunger, this burning need to return which will save her as she inadvertently apparates into the center of the Quidditch Pitch and the arms of those she so dearly missed.
Chapter 19: The Aftermath
After a few minutes of holding her, Harry realized just how thin Hermione had become. He could feel her shoulder blades and ribs through her tattered clothes, and tremors were wracking her thin frame. Concern for her broke through the relief of her return. "Hermione, we need to get you to the Hospital Wing," he said urgently. Hermione vaguely nodded, turned towards Harry, and promptly fainted. Cursing, Harry caught her and scooped her into his arms, noticing with a grimace just how light she was. Wasting no time, he turned and started walking as quickly as possible towards the castle.
Professor Dumbledore came up beside him, his face full of joy and sorrow at the same time. "Harry, she needs to go to the-"
"Hospital Wing, sir, I know. That's where I'm taking her now. She's fainted," Harry said quickly, worry lacing his voice. The sooner he got Hermione out of the cold air and into the warmth of the castle, the better.
As he opened the doors to the Entrance Hall, the warm air slapped him in the face. Hermione stirred slightly in his arms and moaned, some of the color returning to her ashen face. He glanced down at her, distressed by her shallow breathing and colorless features.
It seemed as if the stairs somehow sensed the peril in the air and cooperated, taking Harry towards the fastest route to the Hospital. In minutes flat, they were walking down the hall towards the Hospital.
"Madame Pomfrey!" Harry shouted, desperation ringing in his voice. "Madame Pomfrey!"
The medi-witch opened the door. "Now what's happened to you, Pot-". She gasped as she saw the figure in Harry's arms. "Oh my goodness! She's back!" Pomfrey said, astonished. The medi-witch in her was quick to take over, however, and she ushered them inside. "Put her on that bed over there," she commanded Harry. She grabbed several potion vials and hurried over to the bed. "Out of my way, Potter! I need to be able to examine her!" Harry obediently stepped back, never taking his eyes off of Hermione. The seconds ticked by agonizingly slowly as Madame Pomfrey took Hermione's temperature, administered various potions, and ran several diagnostic spells. Several times during her examination, the medi-witch frowned and shook her head in concern. After what seemed like hours, she turned to Harry, whose heart was pounding madly somewhere in his throat.
"She's malnourished, hypothermic, and suffering from severe exhaustion," the medi-witch said. "Furthermore, she's suffering minor damage as a result of," Pomfrey's frown deepened, "the Cruciatus curse." Harry's heart dropped, and despair crept into his heart. The Cruciatus? "Though these injuries are serious, especially the last one, in time, with the proper potions and a few hot meals," she smiled at Harry, "she should make a full recovery."
Relief coursed through him. At the word 'Cruciatus', he had been terrified that his best friend would have suffered permanent physical damage at the hands of those monsters. Pomfrey's words had dispelled his fears and replaced them with an overwhelming sense of joy.
Abruptly, he noticed Pomfrey speaking again, and focused his attention on her. "Now, I've given her a dreamless sleeping potion that should keep her asleep until tomorrow. She needs as much rest as possible." She fixed her firm gaze on Harry. 'Therefore, Mr. Potter, it would probably be best if you returned to your dormitory for the night."
"No," Harry said without hesitation. "I'm not leaving her."
"Mr. Potter, she will be fine here. She does not need you to wear yourself out so that when she does wake up, you are the one that needs to be hospitalized. Now, return to your dormitory. I'm sure Mr. Weasley is wondering how Miss Granger is faring."
"Well, then he can tell me while we wait," a familiar voice said. "Because neither of us are leaving, Madame Pomfrey." Ron sat down next to Harry and met Pomfrey's gaze steadily. "And with all due respect ma'am, there's nothing you can say that will change out minds." Harry nodded in agreement. Not even the wrath of Madame Pomfrey or the rest of the year spent in detention would make him leave, and he knew Ron felt the same way.
Pomfrey threw up her hands in exasperation. "Oh, all right, you can stay. But," she added sternly, eyeing the two boys, " you must be quiet. No one else can come in. Miss Granger needs quiet and rest if she is to recover." Harry and Ron nodded solemnly. "We wouldn't do anything to endanger Hermione, Madame Pomfrey," Ron said, the most serious that Harry had ever heard him. The medi-witch's face softened as she said, "I know, Mr. Weasley." She gave a small smile. "I dare say some of Miss Granger's stubbornness regarding visiting hours has rubbed off on you two." With a wink at the two boys, she turned and went into her office. Harry and Ron glanced at each other before bursting into laughter, releasing all their built up worry and tension.
"Can you believe it?" Ron asked as he clutched his sides.
Harry wiped tears of laughter from his eyes. "I didn't think Madame Pomfrey knew how to wink!"
After a few more comical moments, they sobered up, the grins fading from their faces and the laughter from their eyes. Ron turned to Harry and asked in an anxious voice, worry once again etched on his face, "Do you really think Hermione'll be okay?"
Harry nodded, his voice confident as he said, "If Madame Pomfrey says she will be, then she will be. If she didn't know what she was doing, I don't know where I'd be right now." A grin flitted around the corners of Ron's mouth. "That's true," he admitted. "You've been here more times than anybody!"
"So I know what I'm saying," Harry said assuredly. "Hermione will be just fine. Couple days of rest and some of Hogwart's food, she'll be back to normal in no time, passing around S.P.E.W. badges to unsuspecting first years and running to the library to research an essay that's not due for a month," Harry said, fond amusement in his tone. Ron's grin widened. "Yep, that's our Hermione," he said, reaching for Hermione's motionless hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. Harry walked over to the other side of the bed and took her other hand. The two sat there silently, watching over their friend. "We won't leave you, Hermione," Harry said softly. Silently, he added, 'I won't leave you.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Let me up!" a shrill voice exclaimed. "I'm not an invalid, I'm perfectly capable of walking around this bloody wing without any help!"
"But, Hermione-" another voice pleaded.
"No! I'm perfectly fine, Ron! I've been in here for three days now, and I'm tired of doing nothing!"
They glanced at each other before nodding, knowing they wouldn't be able to win against the determined witch. "Okay," Harry said reluctantly. "You can get up, but don't overdo it, Hermione."
Hermione sniffed indignantly before smiling at them. She threw back the covers and stood. Harry watched closely for any signs of dizziness of unsteadiness, but they were either nonexistent or well concealed.
After standing for a few seconds, Hermione promptly headed towards the door to the castle hallways. Just as she placed a hand to turn the knob, Harry and Ron jumped into action.
"Hermione!" Ron scolded. "What in Merlin's name do you think you're doing?"
"Leaving, of course," Hermione said, her voice calm but firm. "
"You can't leave!" Harry cried. "You still need to rest-"
"Rest?" Hermione responded furiously, her voice outraged. "All I've been doing is resting! You haven't let me out of bed, other than to use the loo, for the entire time I've been in here! I need to get up, I need to move, I need to do something!" By the last words, her voice had grown louder and she was shooting a feral look at the boys.
Ron and Harry exchanged apprehensive glances before speaking, carefully choosing the words they hoped wouldn't upset the seething witch before them. "Hermione," Harry said in an attempt to placate her. "We're not trying to keep you from doing anything, but you've been through a lot, and we don't want you to-"
"Oh, please." Hermione scoffed, crossing her arms across her chest. "What about all the
times that you've been in this same wing! We could never manage to keep you in here more than a few
days!"
"I've never been tortured, harassed, and kept against my will by Voldemort and his minions!"
"What about the TriWizard Tournament?" Hermione countered. Harry opened his mouth, then closed it when he could think of nothing to say. Hermione smiled triumphantly. "You see? Now let me leave!"
Recovering from his momentary speechlessness, Harry grinned, a wicked look appearing in his green eyes. "Let's see what Madame Pomfrey has to say about this, shall we?"
Hermione's eyes widened, then narrowed as she glared at Harry. Straightening her shoulders, she said airily, "Fine, then. Go get her. I'm sure she will agree with me, as she's not as pigheaded as you two gits."
It soon became clear that the medi-witch was even more pigheaded than the two boys, much to Hermione's dismay. Even her death glares didn't seem to face the older witch, who steadfastly refused to let Hermione leave.
"Absolutely not, Miss Granger." Madame Pomfrey said adamantly.
"Why?" Hermione cried in frustration. "I've been here for days, Dobby has fed me enough so I feel as though I'll burst, and I feel fine!" The medi-witch opened her mouth to respond, but Hermione interrupted. "And don't say I need more rest, because all I've been doing this entire time is sleeping and lying in bed, and its driving me insane! If I have to stay in bed one more second, I'll go nutters!" she appealed in frustration. With her hair tangled and bushy, her eyes wild, and her face red, the Gryffindor witch made a comical picture.
Madame Pomfrey was silent for several moments, staring intently at Hermione, who looked back hopefully.
"No."
Hermione eyes widened, and she was about to shout something when a voice prevented the tirade.
"Ah, Miss Granger. I take it by your… exuberance that you are feeling much better today?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he surveyed the disgruntled witch before him.
Hermione nodded, and a gleam appeared in her eye. "I feel much better, Professor," she said innocently, "but I think I'd feel much better if I could finish my recovery in Gryffindor Tower, with the rest of my friends. I think the familiar surroundings would be," she searched for the right word, "beneficial to my recovery and ultimately speed up my healing process."
The wizened headmaster appeared to ponder Hermione's words. "Well, Miss Granger," he said slowly, the seriousness of his voice belied by the twinkling in his eyes, "that certainly sounds reasonable to me, but I take it that Madame Pomfrey here does not agree with you?"
"Headmaster, the girl is still recovering." Pomfrey said in an aggravated voice. "She needs rest and quiet, two things she surely will not find while amongst her friends in Gryffindor Tower."
"Madame Pomfrey," Harry unexpectedly chimed in, "we'll watch her and make sure she doesn't do anything to strenuous."
"There, you see, Poppy?" Dumbledore said happily. "Problem solved. I do believe Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley can be trusted with Miss Granger's safety and wellbeing. Now, what do you say to releasing Miss Granger?"
Harry could see Madame Pomfrey search for a reason to keep Hermione in her care. Finding none, she reluctantly relented. "Very well, very well!" Pomfrey sighed, irked. "You may go, Miss Granger, but," she added as Hermione's face lit up, "you absolutely must rest and keep quiet. No strenuous activity, or staying in the library until all hours of the night, or any mischief of any kind. And I expect you two-" she turned to Harry and Ron, who smiled innocently, "to keep an eye on her and make sure she does what I have said. Otherwise, she will find herself back here before she can say 'freedom'. Do I make myself clear?" she queried, accompanied by a stern look. Harry and Ron nodded silently. Slightly pacified, Pomfrey turned back to Hermione. "Your clothes are located in the trunk at the foot of your bed. Once you change, you can go with your friends back to your dormitory."
Hermione's face broke into an ecstatic grin. "Oh, thank you, Madame Pomfrey!" She rushed, as fast as she could without falling over, to gather her clothes. Within minutes, she was changed and ready to go.
"Okay, let's go!" Hermione said eagerly to Harry and Ron. They nodded, and with a final barrage of thanks to Pomfrey and Dumbledore, who were both stifling grins, the trio headed to the door.
"Oh, I almost forgot," the headmaster called after them. "The Quidditch Game that Miss Granger… interrupted," Hermione blushed as Harry rubbed the spot where the snitch had beaned him and the Ron grinned, "was called, so there was no winner. However, it is widely accepted among the school, except by the losing team, that Gryffindor won, as you were ahead by a rather large margin of points." Harry and Ron's grins widened and they gave each other high fives.
After a moment, Hermione asked, a note of impatience in her voice, "Headmaster, is that all?"
He nodded. "Yes, Miss Granger, for the moment. I merely wanted to inform your friends here of their unofficial triumph in Quidditch. Go ahead to your dormitory. I'm sure you have lots to talk about."
Hermione beamed. "Thank you Headmaster," she said quickly as she surreptitiously pulled Harry and Ron towards the door. "Thank you again Madame Pomfrey, for your wonderful treatment!" The medi-witch tried to appear stern, but failed as a smile spread across her face. "Oh, get on with you," Madame Pomfrey shooed, waving them outside. Hermione needed no further encouragement, and she practically burst through the door into the hallway.
Once outside, Hermione launched herself towards Harry and hugged him tightly.
"Oh Harry, thank you for helping convince Madame Pomfrey let me go! I'm glad you finally realized that I was perfectly well enough to leave!"
'Well, don't thank me so soon," Harry said, grinning mischievously. "I meant what I told Dumbledore and Pomfrey. Ron and I are going to make sure you don't do anything rash and end up back here." He indicated the door behind him.
'Oh." Hermione's voice lacked a little of its previous enthusiasm, but she quickly recovered and walked determinedly towards the staircase, leaving Ron and Harry to scramble after her.
Once they were safe in the Gryffindor common room, they curled into the maroon armchairs beside the fireplace.
Hermione closed her eyes, taking in the familiar scents and atmosphere of the common room, listening to the chatter of students around her and the crackle of the fire. "It's good to be home," she whispered happily.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next day at breakfast, Hermione's stomach was again rejoicing at the delicious feast the Hogwarts elves had prepared. After living on moldy bread and water for weeks on end, the juicy sausage, toast and jam, and other foods were a welcome delight.
"So, who's staying here over winter holiday?" Harry asked curiously.
"I'm going home," Hermione said. "My parents want me home after… after what happened." Her voice grew quiet towards the end of her sentence. Her face grew sad, her eyes full of memories, but she snapped out of it and glared at Ron. "Ronald! Chew with your mouth closed! You're sixteen, not six!"
Ron smiled sheepishly and quickly swallowed with an audible 'gulp'. He shook his head in response to Harry's question. "Not me," he said as he ate an entire slice toast in one bite, causing Hermione to roll her eyes. "We're going up to Romania to visit Charlie."
"Oh." Harry's spirits fell slightly. Although he had been sure Hermione's parents would want her home, he had been hoping Ron would be staying in the castle.
"My mum says you're welcome to come with us, Harry," Ron added quickly, seeing the look on his friend's face.
Harry mentally shook himself. Ron deserved time with his family. He had stayed with Harry in the castle many times before; Harry could get through one Christmas alone. "That's okay, Ron. You deserve some time with them."
'Are you sure?" Ron asked doubtfully. "Charlie wouldn't mind." Harry nodded. "It's fine. But," he added, a small grin appearing on his face, "you'd better owl me, both of you, or I'll get you come start of next term." Ron and Hermione both nodded, smiles on their faces.
They continued breakfast in a comfortable silence, broken only by the sounds of silverware clanging on plates and the chatter around them. Eventually, even Ron was satiated. As they prepared to leave, they were interrupted by the Headmaster.
"Hello Harry, Ronald, Hermione," he said, nodding to each of them in turn. "I wonder if I may steal a few moments of your time? This won't take long, but it is rather important." The trio glanced confusedly at each other, but nodded.
"Good," the headmaster said. "The Ministry has seen it fit to bring charges against you, Miss Granger-"
"For what?" Ron cried, outraged. "For escaping a bunch of murderous Death Eaters?"
"Easy, Mr. Weasley," the Headmaster cautioned. "The charges against Ms. Granger are for what the Ministry deems 'underage apparation'. Since she escaped her captors through an excellent demonstration of appartion, but does not yet have her license, it is considered illegal by the Ministry."
"It's illegal to escape someone starving you, cursing you, and threatening to kill you?" Harry said in disbelief. "What is Fudge thinking?"
"Minister Fudge believes that he has no choice but to uphold this law, even in Ms. Grangers… unusual circumstances. I tried to argue that those same circumstances are what forced you to apparate in the first place, but he did not share my views, to explain it simply."
"I can't believe Fudge would sink this low," Ron muttered.
'I can," Hermione said, speaking for the first time. 'I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner. I suppose it was underage apparition, but I would have thought the Minister would allow it, seeing as I was kidnapped by Death Eaters," Hermione said, sarcasm tingeing her voice.
"As did I, Ms. Granger." Dumbledore said gently. "However, all we can do now is explain your side of the story and hope that the Ministry eventually sees common sense."
"Yeah right," Harry snorted.
Dumbledore continued, disregarding Harry's remark. "The trial date is set for the last week of Christmas holiday. Would it be satisfactory if I defended you during your trial, Ms. Granger?" Hermione nodded. "Very good. Now, I believe you have Care of Magical Creatures next? You wouldn't want to be late. I know Hagrid is anxious to see you, Hermione." Taking that as their dismissal, the trio said goodbye and walked to Hagrid's hut.
As soon as they were out of sight, they started discussing the latest developments. Hermione released the anger she had kept hidden in front of Dumbledore.
"I can't believe those idiots!" she fumed. "Would they have rather I stayed with the Death Eaters? Are they upset that they didn't rescue me and prove their heroism?" This was the most sarcastic Harry and Ron had seen from Hermione.
"Probably," Harry said simply. "You know the Ministry, 'Mione. Most of them are a bunch of morons who don't want to know that anything bad is happening, especially Fudge," he soothed, attempting to calm the furious witch.
"Yeah," Ron added, "with Dumbledore defending you, those charges'll be dropped in no time at all. You'll see," he said confidently.
"I'm not worried about the charges so much as I am angry that they were brought up in the first place!"
"I know, but just forget about them," Harry said. Changing the subject, he said quickly, "Look, there's Hagrid!" The half-giant was waving frantically at them, a huge grin on his face.
The anger left Hermione's eyes and was replaced by excitement. "I can't wait to see him again!" she cried happily.
They ran the last few yards to Hagrid and found themselves in a bone-crushing hug.
"I was wonderin' if ya were gonna make it to class, 'Mione!" Hagrid said, still hugging them. After a moment, he abruptly dropped them, anxiously looking over Hermione. "Yer alright, Hermione? I did'n hurt ya or nothing?"
She shook her head. "I'm fine Hagrid," she said fondly, with a brilliant smile. "Good as new."
"Good," Hagrid said happily. "You'll like what I got in store for today's lesson." He pulled them towards where the other students were gathered. They obediently followed, identical grins on their faces, as they prepared to be entertained during their favorite class.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The rest of the week went quickly by, and Ron and Hermione soon found themselves packing for Christmas break. The Hogwarts Express would depart to Platform 9 ¾ the next evening.
"Are you sure you don't want to come with us, Harry?" Ron inquired once more.
"Yes, Ron," Harry said in exasperation. "I'm sure. I don't mind staying in the castle. I pretty much get the castle to myself. All the other students are going home because their parents are scared of Death Eater attacks and stuff." I'll get a chance to explore now that there aren't as many people around." At the look on Hermione's face he quickly added, "But I'll make sure to stay out of trouble." Satisfied, Hermione nodded and continued packing. "
The next day came quickly, and all too soon, Harry found himself standing on the steps to Hogwarts, hugging his friends goodbye.
"You'd better stay out of trouble, Harry Potter," Hermione said sternly as she hugged Harry. "I don't want to come back only to find you've been given detention for the rest of the year."
"And you'd better write me," Harry countered.
"Of course I will, Harry!" "Me too, mate!" Ron chimed.
Harry gave them each one last hug before they boarded the carriages and down the path, waving frantically all the while. Harry waited until they were out of sight before going back inside.
He slowly walked through the castle, hearing his footsteps echo in the quiet. The castle felt empty without the hordes of children running through its halls. On a whim, he headed to the Owlery to see Hedwig. The snowy owl hooted happily and nibbled Harry's fingers in greeting.
"Hey, girl." He sighed. "Looks like it's just you and me," he said softly. He stroked Hedwig's feathers idly for a few minutes before leaving, promising to return later. He went up to the common room and it too seemed empty without the groups of Gryffindor students sprawled out on the couches and armchairs, playing Gobstones or Wizard's Chess and gossiping. He went up to his dormitory, put his pajamas on, and slid under his covers. Closing his eyes, he tried to fall asleep, but failing miserably.
"I never realized how loud Ron snores until now," he said into the darkness. Sighing, he rolled over, searching for a comfortable position. After a few long minutes, he succumbed to sleep.